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Three combustion reactions in a single EA/IRMS acquisition as a strategy to save helium and energy
  • Jorge Spangenberg
Jorge Spangenberg
University of Lausanne

Corresponding Author:jorge.spangenberg@unil.ch

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Abstract

RATIONALE: Helium (He) is used in cutting-edge research in industry and science as a carrier and/or ionization gas. The global He shortages have dramatically increased its prices and reduced its availability, to what comes together the current energy crisis. A strategy is proposed to save He and energy in elemental analysis/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS). METHODS: A method for analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotope composition (δ13C and δ15N values) is proposed using two or three sequential combustion reactions in a single EA/IRMS acquisition. The methods (hereafter called 2×EA/IRMS and 3×EA/IRMS) use the time needed for the peak center and reference gas (CO2 or N2) pulses to measure δ13C or δ15N in two or three capsules with samples or standards. The combustion cycles can be replicate analyses of the same or different material. RESULTS: The methods were validated with replicate analysis of C and N in RMs and laboratory standards of a broad range of biological and geological matrices, δ13C and δ15N values, and C/N molar ratios. The accuracy and precision of the 2×EA/IRMS and 3×EA/IRMS values were15 essentially the same, with good agreement between the mean ± 1 SD values from RMs and standard analyses and the recommended or accepted values and their uncertainties. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed methods save He, save energy, save reference gases (CO2, N2), and O2, while reducing the analysis and instrumental times by ca. 50 %.
13 Sep 2023Submitted to Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry
13 Sep 2023Submission Checks Completed
13 Sep 2023Assigned to Editor
13 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Sep 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
02 Oct 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
04 Oct 20231st Revision Received
05 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
05 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
05 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending