Inorganic chemical metrology

Part of our Metrology Research Centre, the inorganic chemical metrology team develops inorganic and elemental analysis techniques for sectors where high accuracy is critical such as food safety, environmental monitoring and critical minerals.

Our expertise

The inorganic chemical metrology team focuses on addressing these main areas of application:

• R&D on new measurement capabilities in inorganic trace analysis and isotope ratio measurements
• Development of certified reference materials to verify procedures for determining inorganic measurands and dissemination of traceability
• Operation of a national facility for the elemental analysis of high-purity materials by glow discharge mass spectrometry (GD–MS)
• Participation in international comparison exercises to ensure uniformity of chemical analysis procedures

Our latest research

The glow discharge mass spectrometry facility is being renewed to meet the needs of Canada's emerging electric vehicle battery industry and offer high-precision measurements for industry critical minerals.

Success stories

Learn more about our significant milestones and accomplishments in the field of inorganic chemical metrology:

• Under the microscope: A more sustainable and safer food system using metrology  
• The NRC and its partners lead the way in nuclear material measurement

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