A straightforward protocol for Hf purification by single step anion-exchange chromatography and isotopic analysis by MC-ICP-MS applied to geological reference materials and zircon standards

A straightforward one-step Hf purification protocol for geological samples using common anion-exchange chromatography and isotopic measurements by multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) is described in this paper. The sample is dissolved in concentrated HF–HNO3 mixtures with round-bottom Savillex™ Teflon screw-top capsules or high-pressure stainless steel jacketed Teflon bombs. After complete dissolution, the chemical separation between Hf and isobarically interfering elements such as Lu, Yb, and matrix elements like Ti, is performed and achieved simultaneously using a common one-step anion exchange resin (AG1-X8). The Hf yields are >90% and total procedural blanks are lower than 20 pg. This protocol not only avoids using multiple-stage ion exchange resins, but also eliminates perchloric acid to break down fluorides after HF treatment of the sample. In addition to whole rock, this protocol is also practical for zircon and baddeleyite Hf purification prior to isotopic measurement. New Hf isotopic data for zircon 91500, Temora, CN92-1 and FM0411, together with Phalaborwa baddeleyite are presented for this method. Multiple analyses of the international geological reference materials and standard zircon and baddeleyite used in U–Pb geochronology demonstrate that this method is simple, economic, efficient and reproducible.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (55 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ To establish a rapid, straightforward protocol, based on conventional anion chromatography, which will enable the separation of Zr and Hf fractions from other interference (Yb, Lu) and matrix elements (Ti) so as to achieve a one-step chemical purification method and thus provide a viable alterative to complicated multiple-stage ion exchange chromatographic methods.