New techniques for coal sample preparation for total reflection X-ray fluorescence assay

Modern methods for determination of the elemental composition of coal materials are discussed. New approaches for the coal sample pretreatment for the total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) assay are suggested. A new technique for sample pretreatment—preparation of suspensions—is selected. The conditions of sample pretreatment and analysis are determined experimentally: sample weight, type and concentration of surfactant, and internal standard. The stability of the obtained suspensions is assessed, and recommendations for their use in TXRF assay are presented.