Elemental Analysis – Sample preparation ‒ ISIC ‐ EPFL

For CHNS analyses, the amount of sample should be at least 5-10 mg. Use clean vials and label them properly.
Solid material must be powdered, homogeneous and well-dried.
The presence of dust or moisture in your sample leads to deviations in the results.
Pure compounds in liquid state can be measured if not volatile.
Please specify if the sample contain halogens (especially Fluorine).
In the case of unknown substances, we appreciate if you specify the expected elements or expectation values.
Samples should be deposited together with the submission form in the “CHNS tray” located at the entrance of the facility room BCH1524. They will be collected on Tuesday for analysis.
For air-sensitive samples, analyzes can be performed under an inert N₂ atmosphere. For light-sensitive samples, contact us in advance.

If you don’t have an EPFL login, first create a guest account on the link https://guests.epfl.ch/ . Then login with this guest user id and PW to eln.epfl.ch. For EPFL members use your Gaspar identification.
To create a sample submission form, go to the Home page, click on “Add sample”, enter the name/reference of the sample and submit. Fill the sample description (structure, sequence in Biomolecule…) and save data. Go back to the Home menu, select the sample, click on the “EA request”, fill the sample characteritics, create request and print the sample submission form.
In case of any problem for the sample submission, contact the ELN team ([email protected] or luc.patiny @epfl.ch).

Samples should be submitted either as a solid or as solution in 2% HNO₃. Only high purity HNO₃ (TraceMetal Grade) and MilliQ water (18 MΩ) should be used for the preparation of the 2% HNO₃ stock solution.
Samples should be digested with high purity HNO₃ (TraceMetal Grade) and HCl, if aqua regia is used.
After digestion, samples should be diluted to 2% HNO₃ final %.
Total dissolved solid content in each sample must not exceed 0.1 wt % (e.g. 0.1 g per 100 ml of solution). There must be no suspended solids else filter with a 0.2µm cellulose nitrate syringe filter.
Minimum sample volume submitted should be 5 ml. Optimal sample volume is between 7-10 ml.
Samples containing Hg will be subjected to additional fees due to the memory effect issues with this element and washing steps.
Radioactive and highly toxic samples requiring specialized handling are not accepted.

Based on the information provided by the user, we reserve the right to decide which technique, ICP-OES or ICP-MS, is more suitable for each sample.
If you don’t have an EPFL login, first create a guest account on the link https://guests.epfl.ch/ .Then login with this guest user id and PW to eln.epfl.ch. For EPFL members use your Gaspar identification.
To create a sample submission form, go to the Home page, click on “Add sample”, enter the name/reference of the sample and submit. Fill the sample description (structure, sequence in Biomolecule…) and save data. Go back to the Home menu, select the sample, click on the “ICP requests”, fill properly the requested information , create request and print the sample submission form.
In case of any doubts about sample preparation/sample submission, the users are highly encouraged to contact the service. For any problem for the sample submission step, contact the ELN team ([email protected] or luc.patiny @epfl.ch).