Detection of Sodium in Highly Pure Graphite via High-Resolution Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with a Continuous Spectrum Source

Abstract

This study is dedicated to elucidating the analytical abilities of electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a continuous spectrum source (ETAAS-CSS) to detect the presence of sodium in highly pure graphite powder. In order to plot the calibration dependence for sodium detection, a special technique based on argon dilution of the atomic vapor obtained by introducing the aqueous reference solution in the atomizer is applied. The conditions for thermal pretreatment of highly pure graphite powder and atomization of sodium are established, and the sodium detection threshold is evaluated via ETAAS-CSS (2.6 × 10^–4 ng) as well. The validity of the results is confirmed via the sample variation method.