Publication Date:
2022-05-25
Description:
We present a low-cost, high-throughput method for converting many types of organic samples into graphite. The
method combines sample combustion and graphitization in a single process. Using a modified sealed
graphitization method, samples are placed in a Pyrex tube containing zinc, titanium hydride and iron catalyst. The
tube is evacuated, flamed sealed, and placed in a muffle furnace for 7 hours. Graphite forms on the iron and is
then analyzed for 14C content using either of NOSAMS’s two AMS systems. This method has been shown to
work on a variety of organic samples including pure compounds, wood, peat, collagen and humics. This simplified
procedure could be especially useful in reconnaissance studies in which it is desired to rapidly measure a large
number of samples (untreated or pretreated), at low-cost with analytical precision and accuracy approaching that
of traditional hydrogen reduction methods.
Keywords:
Beech Tree
;
Graphite
Repository Name:
Woods Hole Open Access Server
Type:
Article
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