CRM Osmium (Os) - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN8039C

Importance of the Topic

An accurate and traceable calibration standard for osmium is essential in analytical chemistry for reliable quantification of trace elements. Certified reference materials (CRMs) support method validation, instrument calibration and quality assurance in laboratories across environmental, biomedical and industrial sectors.

Objectives and Study Overview

The certificate describes the preparation and accreditation of ASTASOL® AN8039C, an aqueous calibration solution containing osmium. The aim was to produce a CRM with a certified concentration of 100.0 mg/L ± 0.2 mg/L (k=2), traceable to SI units, and to demonstrate its homogeneity and stability over the stated shelf life.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The solution was prepared gravimetrically using high‐purity (NH4)2OsCl6 (99.99%) dissolved in 5% HCl matrix made from sub-boiled distilled acid and ultrapure water. Verification of the osmium concentration and uncertainty estimation was performed by ICP-OES. Trace impurities were quantified for user information by AAS, ICP-OES and ICP-MS.

Used Instrumentation

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) for primary acidity and osmium certification
• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), ICP-OES and ICP-MS for profiling trace impurities

Key Results and Discussion

The CRM exhibits a certified density of 1.0093 g/cm³ ± 0.0005 at 20 °C and an osmium mass fraction of 99.1 mg/kg ± 0.3 (derived from density). Impurity concentrations of over 60 elements were all below detection limits or at trace levels, confirming the purity and suitability of the solution for calibration.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Provides SI-traceable osmium standard for atomic spectrometry (AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS)
• Supports accurate method validation and instrument calibration in laboratories
• Enhances comparability of results across different analytical platforms and laboratories

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements in CRM technology may include multi-element calibration solutions, enhanced digital certification for online traceability, and development of nanoscale reference materials. Improved stability studies and automation in CRM production will further support emerging analytical techniques.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN8039C represents a high‐quality osmium CRM with well-characterized concentration, uncertainty, homogeneity and stability. Its use strengthens analytical accuracy and comparability in trace metal determinations.

References

• ISO Guide 31: Reference Materials – Contents of Certificates and Labels
• ČSN EN ISO 9001:2016 Quality Management Systems
• ČSN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
• ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017 General Requirements for the Competence of Reference Material Producers