Bench Boost by Inorganic Ventures
Join our host and Inorganic Ventures Technical Director, Mike Booth, as he sparks insightful conversations with our panel of experts in Bench Boost, your go-to podcast for analytical chemistry enthusiasts. Together, they explore the realm of ICP, sharing tips and tricks and diving deep into all things analytical chemistry.
Episodes
118 episodes
REE Rich Ores: What Makes Rare Earth Digestion and Analysis Unique?
In this episode of Bench Boost our team discuss the intricacies of digesting and analyzing rare earth element ore samples. This week we cover challenges such as complex spectra, reaction chemistry, and the need for careful sample preparation. D...
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9:02
When to Use ICP-OES or ICP-MS
In this episode of Bench Boost our team compares the differences between ICP-OES and ICP-MS and their applications in the mining industry. They share insights on when to choose one technique over the other based on factors like detection limits...
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10:34
Matrix Matching with Customs
This week on Bench Boost our team discusses the importance of custom certified reference materials (CRMs) in precision elemental analysis, particularly in the mining industry. This episode features a continuation of the previous week's discussi...
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10:58
Matrix Matching with Stocks
In this episode of Bench Boost our team discusses the importance of matrix matching standards to samples in the mining industry. They explore the benefits and applications of using stock single element, and multi-element CRMs for accurate preci...
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10:10
Back to Basics: The Complete Workflow
The week our team recaps the “Back to Basics” series on Bench Boost. They discuss topics covered in previous episodes, including pipetting, instrumentation, calibration standards, stability, solubility, lab math, detection limits, and plasma fu...
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21:50
3D Printing - Christmas 2025
In this episode of Bench Boost, our team discusses the versatility and utility of 3D printers in the lab. They delve into the various uses of 3D printing, such as fabricating custom parts, prototyping solutions, and creating unique lab tools. T...
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18:15
Back to Basics – Plasma Fundamentals
In this episode of Bench Boost, Ashley, Liv, and Mike delve into the fundamentals of how the plasma functions in ICP-OES and ICP-MS instruments. They explain the process of plasma interaction with sample aerosols, covering steps from desolvatio...
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8:24
Tech Support Q&A Part 3
In this episode of Bench Boost, our team answers various listener questions on topics such as the use of Unisolv reagents for rare earth element analysis, best practices for replacing leaching solutions, digestion protocols for iron in rabbit b...
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10:06
Back to Basics – Detection Limits
In this episode of Bench Boost, our team discusses detection limits. They cover the differences between instrument detection limits and method detection limits, detailing how each is calculated and the importance of optimizing conditions to ach...
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11:38
Turkey, Brine, and Trace Metals
In this episode of Bench Boost Mike, Ashley, Autumn Phillips, and Liv discuss food testing procedures for trace metals with a focus on Thanksgiving, talking how to best analyze turkey brine. They cover various technical considerations, includin...
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14:05
Back to Basics Part 6: Laboratory Math
In this episode of Bench Boost, Mike, Ashley, Autumn, and Liv discuss fundamental laboratory math. They cover essential formulas used in elemental analysis, including the C1V1=C2V2 formula for preparing solution standards, calculating dilution ...
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14:01
Back to Basics Part 5: Solubility
In this Back-to-Basics episode, Mike is joined by Support Chemist Ashley Jones, R&D Chemist Autumn Phillips, and Stock Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski to break down the fundamentals of solubility—how much of a compound ...
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13:48
ICP Conference 2025 Recap
In this special episode, Mike is joined by Technical Support Chemist Ashley Jones, R&D Chemist Autumn Phillips, and Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski to recap Inorganic Ventures’ 10th Annual ICP Conference. Held at IV’s headquarte...
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27:23
Tech Support Q&A Part 2
In this episode, Mike is joined by Support Chemist Ashley Jones and Stock Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski to tackle listener-submitted questions from the lab. First, they unpack whether a standard additions curve from one sample can...
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15:31
Back to Basics Part 4: Solution Stability
In this episode of our Back-to-Basics series, we explore solution stability — why metals sometimes fall out of solution and how to prevent it. Joined by Support Chemist Ashley Jones and Stock Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski...
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9:43
Tech Support Q&A
In this episode, we tackle real-world technical support questions submitted by listeners. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones, we explore three unique challenges:Stabi...
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11:25
Back to Basics Part 3: Standards & Solutions
In this episode of our Back to Basics series, we explore the critical role of tuning solutions, check solutions, and calibration standards in ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Te...
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11:49
Back to Basics Part 2: AA Vs OES Vs MS
In this episode, part of our Back to Basics series, we dive into three of the most widely used elemental analysis techniques: Atomic Absorption (AA), ICP-OES, and ICP-MS. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Philli...
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13:51
100th Episode Celebration- Back to Basics: Pipetting
This week we’re celebrating a huge milestone—our 100th episode! To mark the occasion, we’re kicking off a brand-new Back to Basics series with a focus on pipetting—the foundation of accurate lab work. Joined by R&D Chemists ...
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14:27
Tech Support Part 3: Solving Silver Challenges & Fast-Tracking Zeolite Digestion
In this episode of Bench Boost, host Mike Booth is joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Madeline Gozzi to answer technical support questions straight from graduate students in the lab. From tackling the stubborn insolubility of si...
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7:17
Tech Support Part 2: Radiation Myths & Tin Troubles
In this episode of Bench Boost, host Mike Booth is joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Madeline Gozzi to unpack two common technical support questions. From concerns about the radioactivity of uranium and thorium standards to tro...
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7:26
Tech Support Part 1: Troubleshooting Mercury Analysis & Storage Tips for Custom Standards
In this episode of Bench Boost, host Mike Booth sits down with R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Madeline Gozzi to dive into real-world technical support questions from the lab. From the tricky behavior of mercury in cannabis matrices to...
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7:41
SEAL Discrete Analyzer Reagents – Part 2: Chloride, Sulfate, Phosphate, and Ammonia Methods
In this episode, the Inorganic Ventures team continues their overview of SEAL-compatible Discrete Analyzer Reagents—this time focusing on four essential nutrient and anion methods: chloride, sulfate, phosphate, and ammonia.Ashley Jones a...
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9:13
SEAL Discrete Analyzer Reagents – Part 1: Silica and Nitrate Methods
In this episode, the team dives into colorimetric methods for silica and nitrate analysis using SEAL Discrete Analyzer Reagents developed by Inorganic Ventures. Ashley Jones and Liv Forbes walk through the chemistries behind the molybdate silic...
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9:20
