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Chapter 31: Problem 2

Test your knowledge. What are the main types of interferences associated with XRF and explain how they occur and how to avoid them.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The main types of interferences associated with XRF are spectral, physical, and chemical interferences. Spectral interferences are due to overlapping lines in the spectrum, physical interferences are due to matrix effects relating to particle size and surface roughness and chemical interferences occur due to the effects of chemical bonding within the sample.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Spectral Interference

Spectral Interferences in XRF occur due the overlap of lines in the spectrum. This is especially the case when the spectral line of one element falls under the line of another element creating a misleading representation of concentration for the elements. To avoid these interferences, using a modern XRF instrument with high spectral resolution and spectral deconvolution software can help.
02

Understanding Physical Interference

Physical Interferences are caused by differing matrix effects relating to particle size, surface roughness, or mineralogical effects. These could affect the paths of the incident and fluorescent X-rays. These interferences can be minimized by careful sample preparation, including grinding samples to ensure a standard particle size, and creating pressed powder pellets or fused beads, which can significantly decrease such interference.
03

Understanding chemical Interference

Chemical Interferences occur when the chemical bonding within the sample affects the absorption of fluoresced X-rays. Elements in different chemical compounds absorb X-rays at different energies and hence, the XRF readings may not be truly representative of the elemental concentration. To avoid these interferences, adjusting the algorithm in the XRF to account for different potential chemical states of the elements can be useful

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Write a protocol for analysing a sample of soil. After reading this chapter, prepare a detailed stepwise protocol explaining how to prepare the soil sample and analyse it by XRF. Ask another student to evaluate your protocol and provide you with written feedback - either simply by reading through your protocol, or by trying it out as part of a class exercise. (Check with a member of staff before you attempt this in a laboratory.)

Explain the principle of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Ask a colleague to listen to your explanation and provide feedback.
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