Isotopic analysis

Quantifying the ratio between two isotopes of the same element has considerable potential to establish whether two chemically similar elements have different origins, in relation to the difference in their original sources.

The isotopic distribution characterizing the sources can be influenced by phenomena of a different nature which in turn can determine significant variations in the final products. Such variations can be detected by stable isotope analysis techniques; in fact, many chemical elements have isotopes useful for these purposes.

The possibility of differentiating two samples based on isotopic analysis is linked to the phenomenon of isotopic fractionation influenced by chemical processes (e.g. nitrification, ammonification), physical processes (e.g. evaporation and condensation) and biological processes (e.g. photosynthesis, assimilation, excretion). These can, in fact, alter the isotopic labeling of the compounds, causing a fractionation of the isotope distribution between the reagents and the products and producing a variation in the isotopic delta of the products with respect to the reagents.

The analysis of the isotopic ratio between stable and light elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur and oxygen, therefore has various applications in different sectors: agri-food, environmental, petrochemical, geological, aromas and fragrances.

In the case of 14C, its determination can help us to discriminate between bio-derived resources, i.e. not derived from fossil sources, such as bio-fuels and bio-plastics and those that are not: certifying your bio-derived products creates an added value that is now indispensable for your customers. Furthermore, 14C is not only important to characterize whether the nature of the matrix is ​​biodegradable or not but also to establish what nature the emissions into the air of the fuels are.

Find out what systems NC Technologies can provide you with regarding these issues.