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Standards Development
This document specifies a volumetric method for the determination of gold on a material considered homogeneous by potentiometry using hydroquinone. The gold content of the sample lies preferably between (300 and 995,0) ‰ (parts per thousand, by mass).
1. Purpose
To establish an ISO international standard for the accurate, efficient, and cost-effective determination of gold content via potentiometric titration.
2.Technical Features and Advantages of the Method
High Selectivity: Under specific conditions, hydroquinone is a highly selective reducing agent for gold (III). Compared to elements such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni), it preferentially reduces gold (III) quantitatively to elemental gold, demonstrating high selectivity for gold. Objective and Accurate Determination of Titration Endpoint: The titration endpoint is determined through potential changes and is unaffected by the color or turbidity of the solution. The platinum electrode–saturated calomel electrode system exhibits a significant potential jump near the stoichiometric point, ensuring accurate and sensitive endpoint determination.
Excellent Automation Compatibility: It can be integrated with automatic potentiometric titrators to achieve automatic liquid addition, stirring, recording of potential changes, endpoint determination, and gold content calculation. Operators only need to complete the sample preparation, which greatly reduces operational difficulty and the requirement for personnel experience.
Wide Measurement Range: The measurement range for gold content covers the interval from normal to high concentrations (typical range: 300‰–995‰ by mass fraction). It can meet the accurate quantitative analysis needs for various gold alloy samples, ranging from low-karat alloys (e.g., 9K, 14K, 18K) to fine gold (990‰).
Accurate and Reliable Results: Through round-robin tests and comparison with fire assay, and by using certified reference materials, it has been verified that the potentiometric titration method using hydroquinone provides good accuracy and precision for gold determination, with results being accurate and reliable.
3. Expected benefits
(1)Technical Benefits
Reliable Alternative: The potentiometric titration method using hydroquinone serves as an effective supplement and improvement to the existing gold testing standard system, providing the industry with an accurate, reliable, convenient, economical, and efficient standard method for gold determination. Superior Analysis Efficiency: Simple operation and rapid analysis are the notable advantages of this method. Its compatibility with automated batch testing makes it an ideal solution for rapid quality control of high-volume samples.
Broad Applicability: This method is highly versatile, meeting the rigorous testing requirements for karat gold and gold alloys. It is engineered for seamless integration across multiple operational scenarios. Streamlined Implementation: The testing process is characterized by a condensed workflow and straightforward operational steps. With moderate technical requirements for personnel, the method can be deployed via fully automated instrumentation or manual titration protocols, meeting the diverse application needs of laboratories at all levels.
(2)Economic and Social Benefits
Facilitating Fair Trade: By providing objective, traceable, and internationally recognized testing results, this method offers the global gold market a more diverse and flexible range of analytical options. This effectively enhances transparency and credibility within international gold trading.
Environmental Protection and Sustainability: As a safe, eco-friendly, and sustainable analytical method, it assists the industry in achieving ESG objectives
4.Application of published standards
In China, China Gold Association has published the group standard Method for chemical analysis of gold alloys—Determination of gold content—Potentiometric titration using hydroquinone.
Through practical application in fields such as refining, jewelry, and third-party testing, this standard has been validated for its accuracy, reliability, environmental benefits and efficiency, making it a prime candidate for industry-wide adoption.
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