Nu Instruments | Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotope Analysis in a Single IRMS Measurement
This application note demonstrates how the Horizon IRMS paired with a high-temperature pyrolysis system enables simultaneous hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis from a single solid sample. The study highlights analytical performance, including precision, accuracy and memory effects, while describing an innovative reactor configuration that reduces background interference.
The measurement of stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes is widely used in fields such as hydrology, food authenticity testing and animal migration studies. This application note describes how the Horizon IRMS performs both δD and δ¹⁸O measurements during a single analytical run using high-temperature pyrolysis.
The analytical setup combines the Horizon IRMS with a modified HEKAtech high-temperature oven operating up to 1500°C. A novel reactor configuration introduces a controlled purge flow that removes unwanted carbon monoxide generated within the reactor, significantly reducing background interference and improving measurement quality.
Results demonstrate excellent precision and accuracy for both hydrogen and oxygen isotope measurements. Analysis times of less than seven minutes per sample enable high-throughput workflows, while automated peak centring helps maintain optimum analytical performance. The study also evaluates memory effects, showing minimal impact for oxygen analysis and manageable effects for hydrogen measurements.
Key Takeaways:
- Simultaneous δD and δ¹⁸O measurements are achieved from a single sample analysis.
- Modified reactor design reduces background CO and improves analytical reliability.
- High precision and accuracy are achieved with analysis times below seven minutes.
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