CRM Manganese (Mn) - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN903310N

Significance of the topic

Accurate and traceable calibration standards are essential in analytical chemistry to ensure reliable quantification of trace elements across diverse spectrometric techniques. Manganese is a critical analyte in environmental, industrial and biological samples, requiring precise calibration to support quality control, regulatory compliance and method validation.

Objectives and overview

This certificate describes the preparation and certification of ASTASOL® AN903310N, an aqueous manganese calibration solution in 2% nitric acid. Key objectives include:

• Establishing a certified Mn concentration with defined uncertainty.
• Ensuring direct traceability to the SI kilogram via gravimetric preparation.
• Demonstrating solution homogeneity and stability over its shelf life.

Methodology and instrumentation

The solution was prepared by dissolving 99.98% pure manganese in sub-boiled 2% HNO3 and ultrapure water under controlled temperature and mass measurement conditions. Characterization steps comprised:

• Complexometric titration with NIST SRM 928 to verify concentration.
• Independent analysis against NIST SRM 3132 for confirmation.

Instrumentation

Trace impurity and concentration determinations were carried out using:

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Main results and discussion

The certified manganese concentration is 10 000 mg/L with an expanded uncertainty of ±20 mg/L (k=2) at 20 °C. The solution density is 1.0424 g/cm3 ±0.0005 g/cm3. Over 60 potential impurities were quantified or found below detection limits, confirming a high-purity matrix. Homogeneity and stability assessments support a five-year shelf life when stored at 5–30 °C.

Benefits and practical applications

ASTASOL® AN903310N serves as a ready-to-use CRM for calibration and validation in techniques such as AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, molecular absorption and electroanalysis. Its precise concentration and low uncertainty enhance analytical accuracy, method robustness and interlaboratory comparability.

Future trends and opportunities

Emerging developments include multi-element standards for simultaneous calibration, digital certification platforms for improved traceability, and greener production methods minimizing acid consumption. The rise of portable spectrometers and in-field analysis drives demand for compact, stable CRMs.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN903310N is a rigorously characterized, SI-traceable manganese calibration solution offering high purity, low uncertainty and proven stability. It supports a broad range of analytical applications, strengthening quality assurance and method validation across research and industrial laboratories.