5% Lanthanum in 1% HNO3*, 250ml

Ionization buffers are used to increase the free electron population in flame emission or absorption to shift the equilibrium from ions to atoms for easily ionized elements. This suppresses the ionization interference effects of many ions in high temperature flames such as nitrous oxide - acetylene, and enhances signal intensity from atomic spectral lines and increases reproducibility. Ionization buffers are recommended when using the nitrous oxide acetylene flame or when analyzing for alkali and alkaline earth metals.