China develops direct test for rareearth impurities

(ECNS) -- Chinese researchers have developed a method that can directly and precisely detect trace rare-earth impurities in high-purity rare-earth materials, overcoming a long-standing challenge caused by matrix interference, CCTV News reported Monday.

The breakthrough, led by a key laboratory under the State Administration for Market Regulation at Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, uses inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). The technique eliminates the need for matrix separation, offering higher sensitivity, accuracy and faster testing.

The team has also made advances in sample pretreatment and instrument calibration. The technologies are already widely used by rare-earth producers and testing institutions to improve quality control and testing efficiency.