Abstract
Trace analysis of rare-earth elements (REEs) in metallic REE matrices (La, Pr, Nd, Gd and Tb) by the glow discharge mass spectrometry was investigated. Optimum operational parameters of the glow discharge which affected directly ion beam intensity were examined. Preburning was performed to remove surface contamination before analysis. Preburn time was about 10 min under discharge conditions. Spectral interferences due to polyatomic species such as oxide, hydride and argide were examined. Then, alternative isotopes are used for analysis except for monoisotopic elements. Low ppba detection limits were obtained. The relative standard deviations of five repetitive measurements were 0.8%5.0% for 100 ppm level and 40% for less than 1 ppm.
