2013 Atomic spectrometry update—A review of advances in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

This review comments on the ever expanding range of work using the XRF group of techniques published approximately between April 2012 and March 2013. It presents innovative work as opposed to the wealth of contributions that combine XRF spectrometry in conjunction with other analytical techniques and those descriptions of the valuable routine applications published during the review period. New specialised laboratory instruments, X-ray sources and data processing procedures have been introduced as well as further detector development. Portable and hand-held systems have been increasingly used and the literature represents the widening application of μ-SR techniques for XRF mapping and insights of the sub-cellular metabolisms of animals and plants. Applications using TXRF were published dealing with samples from the pharmaceutical industry, biological tissues, extraterrestrial samples and the analysis of nuclear fuels. Nano-particles feature in many applications and this review is enlivened by reports on more space missions. Climate change, environmental studies and green chemistry feature along with work on archaeological and cultural heritage samples including the authentication of an eighteenth century harpsichord varnish.