In any industry worldwide, information about the constituents and the elemental composition is essential. For performing either qualitative analysis or quantitative analysis, various elemental analysis methods are utilized. Elemental spectroscopy is used to determine the elemental concentration. The oil and gas sector extensively utilized elemental spectroscopy for performing analysis of an oil sample to determine the concentration of components. This article discusses the basics of elemental spectroscopy and provides insight into the different methods of elemental spectroscopy.
Image Credit: Sodel Vladyslav/Shutterstock.com
A Brief Introduction to Elemental Spectroscopy
Elemental spectroscopy is a method employed to examine in-service fluid samples such as engine oil or hydraulic fluid, to determine the presence and quantity of different substances. This approach offers information about the makeup of the fluid and can detect metallic elements, different additives, wear metals, and unwanted impurities.
In addition, a recent study published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry C mentions a special type of elemental spectroscopy technique called Micro-photoluminescence Spectroscopy that has been applied to single-layer transition-metal materials to study thermal properties such as thermal conductivity.
The basic concept of elemental spectroscopy lies in the fact that every element emits light of a specific color and frequency when exposed to higher temperatures or energy beams originating from emitters specifically designed for elemental spectroscopy. A comprehensive study of this emitted light and its associated properties leads to the identification of the type and quantity of the elements present in the sample.
Famous Types of Spectroscopes for Elemental Spectroscopy
For determining the elemental buildup of samples via elemental spectroscopy, two major types of elemental spectrometers are used in industry. Arc emission spectrometers employ electric arcs to impart energy to the sample during elemental spectroscopy. By subjecting the fluid sample to this high-energy arc, the emission spectra produced by the excited elements are analyzed. This method of electrical spectroscopy is effective for various metallic elements present in the specimen.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometers (ICP) use inductively coupled plasma as the energy source to ionize the elements during the process of elemental spectroscopy. Once ionized, the elements emit characteristic wavelengths of light that are detected and analyzed following the basic principles of elemental spectroscopy measurements.
Different Techniques of Elemental Spectroscopy
From the traditional techniques of elemental spectroscopy to modern analysis techniques, each one is equipped with its own inherent advantages and disadvantages. The specialists utilize elemental spectroscopy techniques commercially, keeping in mind the type of material to be utilized.
Atomic emission spectrometry (AES) is a conventional elemental spectroscopy method that is utilized by experts performing experimental studies related to environmental sciences. Several industries perform the identification and analysis of numerous elements, such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and others, using emission elemental spectroscopy.
This specific type of elemental spectroscopy is centered on the precise measurement of optical emission by excited atoms.
Researchers have published a study in the journal Sensors focusing on the fluorescence spectroscopy technique. It is an exceptionally effective elemental spectroscopy technique for performing qualitative analysis of biological molecules. The most widespread use of fluorescence-based elemental spectroscopy methods is for the commercial fabrication of biosensors with exceptional sensitivity.
Another established technique among the famous elemental spectroscopy analysis methods is X-ray fluorescence elemental spectroscopy. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental spectroscopy is performed by carefully measuring the secondary X-rays, known as fluorescent X-rays, emitted from a sample when it undergoes excitation by a primary X-ray source. Its non-destructive nature makes is a viable choice for geological analysis.
Another exceptionally precise method of elemental spectroscopy entails the examination of a sample's isotopic composition via secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). This high-resolution elemental spectroscopy technique offers numerous advantages in the analysis of solid surfaces and thin films. Ion mass elemental spectroscopy is frequently employed to determine trace element concentrations, making it important for the study of biological specimens, minerals, and fluids.
The most advanced form of elemental spectrometry is Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Its analysis involves measuring a specific transition called chemical shift of nuclei, whose units of measurement are in parts per million (ppm). Amplification of the available magnetic field strengths in the previous decades made modern solid-state NMR one of the most informative tools in many physical and chemical areas.
Elemental spectroscopy stands as a versatile and indispensable analytical technique, encompassing a multitude of methods and approaches, each customized to particular conditions and types of specimens being examined.
Elemental Spectroscopy and AI: Transforming the Industries Worldwide
AI and its subset machine learning (ML) are constantly being implemented in elemental spectroscopy methods for continuous improvement and reducing processing time.
As per the latest article published in Spectroscopy, vibrational elemental spectroscopy methods like Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy use machine learning (ML) algorithms to enhance and automate data processing.
They aid in the categorization and visualization of spectro-chemical data obtained from biological and medical samples. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) prove valuable for classifying vibrational elemental spectroscopy data and pinpointing critical spectral regions. CNNs excel in image classification and can be effectively employed to grasp and define diverse visual interpretations of elemental spectroscopy data.
Machine learning (ML), as a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), finds applications in the extraction, correlation, and summarization of information from extensive and intricate analytical datasets in fields like separation mass spectrometry, NMR, and molecular spectroscopy.
Elemental spectroscopy has indeed brought about a revolution in elemental analysis, emerging as an indispensable tool in scientific research, environmental surveillance, and industrial utilization. With their remarkable precision, sensitivity, and adaptability, the various elemental spectroscopy methods have catalyzed advancements in numerous domains. They have deepened our comprehension of the natural world and fueled innovation.
As technology continues to advance, the future of elemental spectroscopy holds promise. Expectations include heightened precision, efficiency, and the prospect of uncovering even more groundbreaking discoveries. This ongoing evolution ensures that elemental spectroscopy will remain at the forefront of analytical science, contributing significantly to our understanding and problem-solving across diverse fields.
How Does an Elemental Analyzer Work?
References and Further Reading
Sang, Y. et. al. (2022). Measurement of Thermal Conductivity of Suspended and Supported Single-Layer WS2 Using Micro-photoluminescence Spectroscopy. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 126(15), 6637-6645. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c00732
Business Communications, 2021. Elemental & Spectroscopy. [Online]
Available at: https://www.bcluae.com/bclelemental-spectroscopy
Camarca A. et. al. (2021). Emergent Biosensing Technologies Based on Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Surface Plasmon Resonance. Sensors. 21(3):906. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/s21030906
Workman Jr, J., & Mark, H. (2023). Artificial Intelligence in Analytical Spectroscopy, Part II: Examples in Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy, 38(6), 10-15. Available at: https://doi.org/10.56530/spectroscopy.js8781e3
Hiden Analytical, 2023. Using SIMS to Determine Isotopic Compositions. [Online]
Available at: https://www.hidenanalytical.com/blog/using-sims-to-determine-isotopic-compositions/#:~:text=One%20highly%20accurate%20method%20of,solid%20surfaces%20and%20thin%20films.
Linde Worldwide, 2023. Emission spectroscopy. [Online]
Available at: http://hiq.linde-gas.com/en/analytical_methods/other_spectroscopy/emission_spectroscopy.html
Raja, P. M. & Barron, A. R., 2023. Introduction to Elemental Analysis. [Online]
Available at: https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Physical_Methods_in_Chemistry_and_Nano_Science_(Barron)/01%3A_Elemental_Analysis/1.01%3A_Introduction_to_Elemental_Analysis
ThermoFisher Scientific, 2021. What is XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) and How Does it Work?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/ask-a-scientist/what-is-xrf-x-ray-fluorescence-and-how-does-it-work/
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.