Elemental Analysis

Analysis of elemental composition of compounds is an essential aspect of chemical characterization. Our EA lab analyses a wide range of samples such as residues from incinerator plants, environmental samples, pharmaceutical products, raw materials, new alloys/polymers and unknown samples. Typically, 5 mg of solid sample (3 mg for just CHNS) or 10 mL of filtered liquid sample is needed for the analysis.

We are able to identify and quantify up to 90% of common elements in the Periodic Table. This is supported by instruments such as the ThermoFisher Scientific FlashSmart CHNS Elemental Analyser, a Perkin Elmer Avio 500 Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES), a Metrohm Ion Chromatograph (IC) and a Milestone Ultrawave Single Reaction Chamber Microwave Digestor. The following services are available:

• Quantitation of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur (CHNS) content of solids and viscous liquid samples. The analyses is done using a modified DUMAS method: samples are weighed in tin containers and combusted at high T with oxygen; the resulted gases are carried by helium flow through a GC column attached to a thermal conductivity detector.
• ICP-OES analyses of solids/liquids samples (exclude organic solvent based samples). ICP requires that the elements to be analyzed are in acid/water matrix, therefore prior to ICP analysis, sample preparation is required either using acid digestion on hotplate or in microwave digestor.
• Anion chromatography analyses. The various anions are separated on the column and detected using a conductivity detector. We accept aqueous samples only and the sample should not contain any strong acids or bases.
• Microwave digestion of samples at temperature 180 -240 ^oC in acids such as HNO3, HCl, or HF.

Our experienced staff are on hand to advise and discuss the best technique to use for your samples.

EA services is located at S5-02-17, please contact elemental@nus.edu.sg (Ms Tan Wei Ling or Ms Heng Su Peng) or 6516-4438 for further information.

Please click to download the request form for sample submission:

• CHNS only Request Form. Please state if samples contain Fluorine (F); or Elemental analysis Request Form
• Risk Assessment Form