Isotope geochemistry applied to Earth sciences
I am interested in the use of mass spectrometry to characterise the trace element and isotopic composition of geological and extraterrestrial samples.
Wet chemistry specialist: from the acid digestion of a wide variety of rock samples (ultramafic to felsic igneous rocks, terrigenous sediments, meteorites) to the isolation of elements of interest using column separation protocols.
TIMS specialist (Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry): for routine (Sr, Nd) to ultra-high precision isotopic measurements (Ce, 142Nd, 182W...), in positive or negative mode.
But also MC-ICP-MS and ICP-MS for precise isotopic and trace element analysis in solution mode.
Research background: During the past few years, I have mainly worked on the coupling of 138La-138Ce, 146,147Sm-142,143Nd isotope systematics in terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks to trace the silicate differentiation of the Earth. I am also interested in mantle geochemistry, silicate differentiation processes, early Earth events, the Great Oxydation Event and cosmochemistry.
Recent analytical developments:
- Chemical separation of cerium and precise isotope analysis by TIMS as CeO+
- Ultra-high precision Nd isotope measurement by TIMS for 142Nd studies as Nd+
- Chemical separation of tungsten and precise isotope analysis by TIMS as [WO3]2- (negative mode)
- Chemical separation of Nd and Hf from silicate sediment matrices using the automated column chromatography system PrepFAST (ESI)