Elemental and Matrix Compatibility

Sulfuric Acid Matrices

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is commonly used in preparations and therefore added to standards in combination with other acids.

Elements that either benefit or comfortably tolerate the presence of H₂SO₄ are shaded in orange below:

1. Dilutions of Hg and Au in H₂SO₄ below 100 ppm should be stored in borosilicate glass due to adsorption on plastic.
2. Trace levels of HCl or Cl^- will form AgCl, which will photoreduce to Ag⁰.

F denotes that the element can be diluted in H₂SO₄ if complexed with F^-.

Cl denotes that the element can be diluted in H₂SO₄ if complexed with Cl^-.

HF denotes that the element should have excess HF present when diluted with H₂SO₄.

T denotes that the tartaric acid complex can be diluted in H₂SO₄.

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