LAUSR

A simple and rapid HPLC-ICP-MS method for determination of ultra-trace REE impurities in highly pure Eu2O3 and Yb2O3 has been developed. The majority of REEs as trace impurities in both Eu2O3 and Yb2O3 matrices can be determined solely by ICP-MS. However, 153Eu16O+ and 174YbH+ formed in the plasma of the ICP-MS overlap with the monoisotopic 169Tm+ and the most abundant isotope of Lu (175Lu+), respectively. Spectral interferences caused by the formation of matrix-based polyatomic ions are eliminated by separating the highly concentrated matrix element from the spectrally interfering elements of interest. This is achieved by coupling HPLC to ICP-MS. A reversed-phase C-18-silica HPLC column impregnated with 2-ethylhexyl, 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid (H[EH(EHP)]) is prepared and used as a separation tool. The method allows separation of problematic REEs, viz Eu from Tm and Yb from Lu in time and space prior to entering the ICP-MS, which enables accurate determination of the REEs in question. The method is used to characterize high purity Eu2O3 and Yb2O3 through the impurity approach, focusing on trace concentrations of other REEs in the respective oxides. The method is rapid with a separation time of 3.5 minutes, which makes it suitable for routine analysis of trace levels of all REE impurities, including Tm and Lu in high-purity europium and ytterbium oxides. The chromatographic system is compatible with ICP-MS as the mobile phase consists only of diluted HNO3.