Sample Preparation by Fusion

Lithium Carbonate Fusions

Li₂CO₃ fusions are rarely mentioned in the literature. I am putting this method in the spotlight because:

• Lithium salts are very soluble.
• Lithium has relatively few spectral lines for the ICP-OES user.
• Signal quenching (signal suppression by matrix) is relatively less (due to low mass) than the B, Na, or K containing fluxes for the ICP-MS user.
• Lithium can be obtained in pure form as the carbonate and is relatively inexpensive.
• Li₂CO₃ melts at relatively low temperatures (relative to the popular sodium carbonate fusion).
• You can use graphite crucibles, which are both clean and inexpensive (I prefer glassy carbon which is more expensive, but very clean and not nearly as messy).
• Li₂CO₃ is a basic fusion that will attack many of the refractory metal oxides and sample types attacked by Na₂CO₃.

CAUTION: Unlike Na₂CO₃, Li₂CO₃ will attack Pt crucibles.

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