Quantification of Molybdenum in Metallic Ores by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry

Metallic ore samples were digested completely with HCl-HNO₃-HF-HClO₄-H₂SO₄. The Mo was oxidized to molybdate by concentrated H₂SO₄. The HCl was used to dissolve salt to clear solution, in preparation for measurement by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry at 202 nm. This method avoids the errors of the HCl-HNO₃-HF-HClO₄ method and has the benefits of improved accuracy, decreased time, lower cost and less materials. Results are in agreement with the certified values of national standard reference materials. The secondary grade standard reference materials were tested 6 times giving RSD of less than 2.16%. The detection limit of the method is 2.8 μg/g and the linear range is from 0 to 50 mg/mL. Tested by different dissolution methods and detection methods at different labs, this method is suitable for the detection of 0.001% to 2.00% Mo in metallic ores with satisfactory results.