Trace element and isotope analysis

CENIEH is a public research centre that offers its expertise in trace element and isotope analysis , by means of its world-class inorganic mass spectrometry facilities, applicable to a wide variety of samples and materials.

The main advantages are: extremely low detection limits, capability for isotopic applications in geological, environmental, materials and forensic sciences, and traceability studies in general. Sample application fields:

• Exploration studies : Radionuclide migration paths in fractured rock can be led to appreciate the effect of drilling. Sensitive multielemental mapping techniques are used to determine the distribution of such (ultra)trace elements in core profiles.
• Enhanced oil recovery and shale gas studies : Electrokinetic phenomena can be applied to enhance oil recovery from sand reservoirs. ICP-MS helps controlling the clay element concentration.
• Chemicals, semiconductors and materials : ICP-MS is widely used for the control of trace impurities in materials and chemicals, including semiconductors. High Resolution ICP-MS enables the sorting out of spectroscopic interferences on key contaminant elements (e.g. P, Ti).

Other laboratories provide versatile applications in the fields of geology, archeology, geomaterials, heritage conservation, new materials, and dosimetry. Labs include Micro-CT imaging, 3D scanning, (E)SEM microscopy, material characterization through Raman, XRD, XRF, FTIR, TGA,...