The temperature of graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry can vary depending on the specific method and equipment used. In general, the temperature rises to a range of 400 to 800 degrees Celsius during the pyrolytic process. This initial heating step is used to remove matrix components and high boiling volatile compounds from the sample.
After this initial heating step, the temperature is rapidly increased up to 3000 degrees Celsius. This high temperature is necessary to form atomic vapor, which is essential for the atomic absorption spectrometry process.
It is important to note that the starting material for graphitization should ideally consist solely of carbon atoms with negligible impurities. In cases where the starting material contains organic matter of unidentified composition or has a large amount of impurities, it is advised to pre-carbonize the sample in a low temperature hot wall furnace at up to 1100 degrees Celsius. This pre-carbonization step helps to purify the sample under an inert gas atmosphere before it is heat treated in a more sensitive high temperature graphite furnace.
Graphite tube furnaces are commonly used in high temperature applications, including graphitization. These furnaces can operate at temperatures up to 3000 degrees Celsius and are suitable for research and development purposes. The furnace chamber is made of stainless steel and is double-walled to ensure mechanical stability.
It is worth mentioning that the graphitization process involves raising the temperature to allow carbon atoms to travel to more suitable positions and ultimately form ideal graphite with superior properties. The early stage of graphitization occurs between 1900 and 2000 degrees Celsius.
Graphite is sensitive to oxidation and should not be exposed to air at elevated temperatures. Oxidation starts around 500 degrees Celsius and can result in a loss of mass over time. To ensure mechanical stability, graphite heating elements are thicker than elements made of other materials.
In summary, the temperature of graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry can range from 400 to 800 degrees Celsius during the pyrolytic process, with a rapid increase up to 3000 degrees Celsius to form atomic vapor. Pre-carbonization steps may be necessary for samples with impurities, and graphite tube furnaces are commonly used for high temperature applications.
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