- Development and supply of matrix-type reference materials
- The present group is developing matrix-type reference materials which
are useful for validation and quality control in environmental and food
analysis, as well as technical education for analysts. These reference
materials are produced by a management system based on ISO Guide 34, and
metrological traceability for the reference materials have been established.
Abilities for analysis of the present group have been confirmed to be equivalent
to those of metrology institute of other countries through participation
in international comparative tests and thus, the reference materials are
internationally recognized. In the present group, development of basic
technologies used for the development of new standard materials are also
developing.
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- Development and advancement of techniques for elemental analyses
- In the present group, analytical technics and devices which are useful
to ensure reliability of elemental analyses are developing. Co-development
of analytical devises with private companies are also carried out. Currently,
we are working on the following research themes.
- ・Development of new primary measurement cell for electrolytic conductivity
lower than1 mS/m
Electrolytic conductivity (EC) is utilized for evaluation of water quality
in wide industrial field. EC of purer water (below 0.01 S/m), which is
lower than tap water, is considered to be in high demand for measurement.
NMIJ has a primary measurement cell, "Jones-type cell", which
is suitable for measuring EC above 0.01 S/m; however, NMIJ does not have
a measurement method for EC lower than 0.01 S/m with SI traceability. In
order to break down the current situation, we are trying to develop new
primary measurement cell with SI tracability, specialized for the measurement
of EC lower than 1 mS/m.
・Development of Analytical Systems for the Characterization of Nanoparticles
by Single Particle ICP-MS
Single particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS) is a relatively new technique that enables
determination of the particle number concentration and size of metal-based
nanoparticles (NPs). It has been being widely used as a tool for the characterization
of NPs in various NP-containing products, investigation of NP behavior
in the environment, and so on. We are developing analytical systems (such
as novel sample introduction systems) to provide more reliable and simple
measurement of the particle number concentration and size of NPs by spICP-MS.
・Development and Application of an Automatic pH Adjustment Instrument
The pH condition of the sample solution is one of the key factors influencing
the results obtained by solid phase extraction. The optimum pH condition
varies with the targeting element and the functional group of the resins.
In many cases, the precision for pH adjustment requires a precise control
of H+ concentration at a concentration level of 10−6 mol L−1. At the same
time, it is extremely important to avoid contamination of targeting elements
during the operation of pH adjustment. The aims of the present research
are the development and the promulgation of automatic pH adjustment instrument
enabling accurate and precise pH adjustment and avoiding contamination
of targeting elements.
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