This study presents a method for high-precision stable potassium (K) isotope analysis using High-Resolution Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HR-MC-ICPMS). Dry and cold plasma is used to suppress the formation of argon hydrides that are direct isobaric interferences on K isotopes. The residual (ArH+)-Ar-40-H-1 beam is resolved from K-41(+) by using pseudo-high resolution mode, providing interference-free shoulders of K-39(+) and K-41(+) for isotopic measurements. Precision of better than 0.06% (95% confidence interval) has been routinely achieved based on multiple measurements of pure K standard solutions and rock standards over a six-month period. Mismatches in K concentration (up to 20%) and acid molarity (up to 67%) between samples and bracketing standards, as well as the presence of substantial amount of matrix element Rb, do not significantly affect the analytical precision and accuracy. Our study documents that high-precision K isotope analysis can be routinely achieved for a wide variety of natural samples by HR-MC-ICPMS, which makes it possible for using K isotopes to trace major geological processes. Publication name | CHEMICAL GEOLOGY, 493 100-108; 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2018.05.033 AUG 20 2018 | Author(s) | Hu, Yan; Chen, Xin-Yang; Xu, Ying-Kui; Teng, Fang-Zhen | Corresponding author(s) | HU Yan; TENG Fangzhen yanhu@uw.edu; fteng@uw.edu Univ Washington, Dept Earth & Space Sci, Isotope Lab, Seattle, WA 98195 USA. | Author(s) from IGCAS | XU Yingkui | View here for the details
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