Laser-driven hydrothermal processing (LDHP) is a potential alternative approach to processing geological materials prior to chemical separation techniques. With LDHP a sample is submerged in a liquid and a focused laser beam is pulsed over a selected location or area. The deposited energy results in rapid increases in the temperature and pressure at the liquid interface. The increased temperature and pressure result in partial dissolution and partial comminution of the material, thereby decreasing the time needed to dissolve a sample. Here we describe the application of LDHP to two commonly used basalt geostandards, BHVO-2 and BCR-2. We provide trace element composition data for these geostandards prepared by both traditional acid digestion and treatment by LDHP with a subsequent acid digestion steps to address elemental fractionation concerns.

Does laser-driven hydrothermal dissolution cause elemental fractionation? An analysis of basalt standards

ACS Fall 2021

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