The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Analysis for Rh3+ in Rh plating solution

2005

Recently, we found it was difficult to use AA(flame emission) to analyze Rh2SO43 plating solution. The results were never same when analyzed one sample! This is really troublesome!

Could anyone tell me how to do the analysis?

Thank you very much, we remain.

Vicky Hsu
E-Chem Enterprise Corp. - Taipei Heisn, Taiwan

---

2005

If you are seeing drift in the response of your standards, its time to buy a new lamp or get the AA serviced ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] .

If the problem is only with samples then ensure you are diluting accurately and perhaps try diluting with 1 or 2N nitric acid to help hold the rhodium in solution (though beware if the sample contains cyanide!)

good luck

Peter Van de Luecht
- Melbourne, Vic, Australia

---

2005

Dear Peter,

I have replaced a new Rh lamp. And, results for conentrated Rh2SO4 solution are still fluxional! Today, we use 1N HNO3 as dilute solvent. But, we still have the same situation.

So, do you have any other suggestion?

Vicky Hsu
E-Chem Enterprise Corp. - Ying-Go town, Taipei Hsein, Taiwan