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
96 episodes
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
Platinum Sample Prep & Interference Considerations
Platinum may be one of the easier precious metals to dissolve—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to analyze.In this episode, the team walks through sample prep strategies for a range of platinum-containing materials, including metals, alloy...
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6:13
Understanding Colorimetric Methods
Colorimetric chemistry may seem simple, but getting reliable results takes precision.In this episode, the team breaks down the fundamentals of colorimetric methods, from basic indicators to more advanced workflows using benchtop spectrom...
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7:15
Palladium Sample Prep & Interference Management
In this episode, the team dives into palladium sample preparation for a variety of matrices—metals, alloys, oxides, organics, and ores—highlighting the best acid choices and digestion strategies from our sample prep guide.The team also d...
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6:49
Rare Earths, Clean Data, and Smarter Detection
In this episode, the Inorganic Ventures technical team answers real questions from labs in the field—covering environmental contamination solutions, rare earth stability, acid purity, and practical tips for improving detection limits. It’s an i...
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8:33
Sample Prep & ICP Testing for Nickel
Nickel is common across many sample types, but prepping and testing it isn’t always straightforward.In this episode, Liv Forbes joins Mike Booth to walk through Inorganic Ventures’ sample preparation strategies for nickel, covering disso...
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7:26
Improving Oil Testing with Aqueous Hybrid Standards
This week, we’re introducing a new method developed at Inorganic Ventures for analyzing oil samples using aqueous metal standards in a hybrid organic-aqueous solvent matrix—a solution that brings stability, cleaner data, and wider element compa...
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21:28
Iridium Sample Prep and Testing Tips
Iridium is one of the most chemically stubborn—and analytically important—precious metals. In this episode, we walk through key methods for getting iridium metal, oxides, and alloys into solution, including aqua regia, high-temperature chlorina...
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8:11
ICP Conference Preview: A Decade In Our Element
We’re back with a preview of our 10th Annual ICP Conference, taking place October 14–16, 2025, at Inorganic Ventures.In this episode, you’ll hear what’s new this year—including hands-on lab stations, data analysis workshops, and expert t...
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15:24
Palladium Prep, Zeolite Digestion, and Discrete Analyzer Reagents
In this episode, the team answers three timely tech support questions from the lab. First, we cover palladium stability in nitric acid and what to watch for when mixing it with elements like silver or antimony. Then, we walk through a quick, ef...
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10:59
Trace Analysis on Tour: A Spring Seminar Recap
In this episode, the team recaps a busy season of spring seminars across the country in partnership with CEM, Agilent, and other ICP Alley collaborators. From Santa Clara to Baton Rouge, our chemists share what they presented, what they learned...
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19:38
Working with Rhodium: Prep, Stability, and Testing
In this episode, we explore the challenges of working with rhodium, one of the rarest and most expensive elements used in analytical testing. From metal and oxide digestions to stability tips for nitric and hydrochloric matrices, our team share...
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9:57
Troubleshooting Hydroxide, LOQ, and Stock Standards
Our experts tackle three customer questions straight from the tech support inbox. We start by explaining why glass isn’t a good choice for storing or diluting lithium hydroxide and offer tips on selecting the best materials to avoid contaminati...
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12:32
Cobalt Sample Prep and Testing Tips
To kick off season 6, we continue our sample prep series with a focus on cobalt. Our team discusses digestion methods for cobalt metals, alloys, oxides, and ores, including when to use nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, or fusion techniques. We al...
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10:36
Real Talk on Chemistry Careers & Battery Industry Trends with Alexa Jackson
In this episode, we sit down with Bench Boost listener and instructional designer Alexa Jackson to talk about career growth, chemistry communication, and her journey from academia to the battery industry. Alexa shares valuable advice f...
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25:19
Titration Tips: Techniques, Troubleshooting, and Lab Lessons
In this solo episode, Mike dives into titrations — a method that's still essential across industries like environmental testing, manufacturing, and even winemaking. Learn tips for improving accuracy, from proper burette qualification and indica...
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12:38
Chemistry Conspiracy: Chemtrails vs Contrails
This episode takes a fun detour into the world of chemistry conspiracy theories! Mike Booth explores the science behind chemtrails vs. contrails and explains how you could actually test for elements like aluminum, barium, lead, and li...
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11:56
Troubleshooting Tips: High Recoveries, Complex Mixes, and Chloride Digestion Challenges
In this episode, we tackle unexpected high recoveries, caused by internal standard signal timing during ICP analysis. Then we unpack a challenging multi-element blend, involving silver, tungsten, sulfur, rare earths, and more — plus how acid ch...
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17:12
Troubleshooting Tips: Tune Solutions in Base and Trace Chloride in Silver Blends
In this episode, we dive into two real-world stability challenges from our lab. First, we explore a custom tune solution prepared in dilute ammonium hydroxide for ICP-MS, designed to improve lab efficiency. Learn how it performed over time and ...
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14:13
Troubleshooting Tips: Mercury Recovery, High-Concentration Blends, and IC Stability
Experiencing issues in your prep or analysis? This episode is full of practical advice to keep your data on track.Learn how to improve mercury recoveries, including best practices for stabilization in different matrices and container typ...
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16:07
Technical Glossary Part 3: Speciation, Working Solutions, and Matrix Effects
In this episode, we wrap up our glossary discussions with a focus on element speciation — why ICP alone can't distinguish oxidation states and how chromatography can help. We also break down working solutions, explaining how to properly dilute ...
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21:14
Technical Glossary Part 2: Understanding Calibration, Internal Standards, and Blank Corrections
In this episode, we continue exploring key terms in elemental analysis, focusing on calibration standards, how they establish accuracy, and why they are essential for reliable results. We also cover internal standards, their role in correcting ...
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14:12
Pittcon 2025 Recap: Industry Connections and Key Takeaways
Fresh from Pittcon 2025, we’re recapping the biggest moments, key industry insights, and what made ICP Alley a must-visit destination! Hear about our experience connecting with customers, tackling live tech support questions, and catching up wi...
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14:35
Technical Glossary Part 1: Understanding Standards, SI Traceability, and Uncertainty
In this episode, we unpack fundamental concepts that every ICP analyst should know. Learn what National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) are and why SI traceability is essential for accurate measurements. We also clarify the differences between SRMs...
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21:06
