I am trying to do ICP-MS analysis of red mud. However, it is not completely soluble in nitric acid (68-72% v/v). I want to know how can I do it without changing the type of acid. Does more stirring, heating, higher concentration of acid, more amount of acid, longer stirring/dissolution time, pre-treatment of red mud or any other method works (even if it is not a standard method).
You could consider a microwave digestion setup if you aren’t already using one; this often helps. https://milestonesci.com/microwave-digestion-systems/?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=CjwKCAjwlcXXBRBhEiwApfHGTXeO6paxCEFiIircm26FobXlmHVTxEB_thqzZELEhYio6ZE0CaX3QBoC7bwQAvD_BwE
Hi Vivek
The residues most likely are from silica, titania (and maybe other minerals) which barely dissolve in nitric acid alone. You probably won't get around changing your acid mix to include HF and use closed vessel digestion to avoid loss of SiF4 (if that is of interest for you).
Best regards
Bodo
Thank you everyone for the answers! I think using the microwave/ closed vessel acid digestion will help and I will try that out.
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