Preparing for catalyst production success
In a world of finite resources, it’s more important than ever for industries to innovate and adapt their relationship with the materials they routinely use. How? Next to prioritizing reuse, recycling, and responsible sourcing, companies and organizations of different shapes and sizes must also adopt efficient material consumption practices.
This is a particularly important challenge for catalyst manufacturers, where many of the essential platinum-group elements are increasingly scarce commodities. So, how do manufacturers ensure minimal wastage and achieve the best results in their analytical processes?
Let’s deep dive into the world of advanced sample preparation for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP) analysis…
Understanding catalyst sample preparation
Much like the intricate art of winemaking, where the grape’s planting and processing directly impacts the final wine’s taste and quality, the accuracy of results in analytical processes like XRF or ICP can be dramatically affected by the quality of sample preparation. If the sample isn’t optimal, the entire analytical chain could be compromised. And in catalyst production, XRF is crucial to understanding elemental composition – which in turn has a direct effect on quality and performance.
For example, the fusion process can be used to create glass discs that are free from discrepancies due to factors like particle size, mineralogy, or surface roughness. These smooth, glassy sample discs are especially effective for catalyst materials, yielding consistent and reproducible results. But that’s not all – the equipment used for XRF fusion can also aid in preparing the solutions needed for ICP analysis.
Conserving resources, one sample at a time
Every re-test or wastage can mean precious resources going down the drain. And when dealing with materials as scarce and vital as catalyst elements, the cost of such inefficiencies isn’t just monetary but also environmental. Through advanced sample preparation, industries can conserve these materials, optimize the testing process, and avoid the pitfalls of re-testing and waste.
For those in the analytical field, having the right equipment can make all the difference. While the Claisse LeNeo offers a reliable solution for low-throughput situations, it’s the FORJ system that’s setting new benchmarks in high-throughput scenarios. As the fastest, safest, and most precise fusion instrument in the analytical sample industry, FORJ promises consistency, minimal maintenance, and most importantly, repeatability.
From start to finish: The analytical chain
At Malvern Panalytical, our focus on the analytical chain underlines how each step – from sampling to results reporting – influences subsequent phases. It’s not just about one process but an interconnected sequence that, when perfectly aligned, ensures optimum efficiency and precision.
And we do more than offer state-of-the-art equipment. We also support industries with certified reference materials (CRMs) and the expert guidance to establish custom calibrations and standard operating procedures. Through this holistic approach, we ensure that every link in the analytical chain is strengthened, leading to more reliable results at every step.
Taking charge of tomorrow
Looking ahead, companies in the analytical industry must continue to adapt and transform – to safeguard their own future as well as our collective one. The good news? With advanced sample preparation instrumentation technology, and our Malvern Panalytical analytical process support, these businesses can now take better charge of their processes, reducing waste, optimizing results, and setting a standard for sustainable and efficient operations. So, here’s to a brighter, more catalyst-efficient future!
To learn more about all our solutions for catalyst production, download the full brochure here.
Or get in touch with our experts to talk about optimizing your production processes today.
Further reading