Quantifying P or PO4 in an unknown solid

[Baho Ilok]

I have a solid sample possibly containing a few species of phosphate salts from a precipitation reaction. I am only concerned with the phosphorus in the solid sample. What are the possible methods of accurately measuring the P or PO4 content in the solid? Thank you!

 

[Ygggdrasil]

Can you dissolve the phosphate? There are some nice colorimetric assays for measuring the concentration of phosphate in solution: for example, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0076687966080145

 

[Baho Ilok]

Can you dissolve the phosphate? There are some nice colorimetric assays for measuring the concentration of phosphate in solution: for example, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0076687966080145

Yes I have also thought of this but I also thought maybe there are other possibly more accurate methods using some analytical instruments that can quantify the P or PO4 in a solid.

Anyway, thank you for your insight. I really appreciate it!

 

[Borek]

Standard approach in the analysis of steel was to dissolve the steel sample, oxidize P to PO₄^3- and to determine it as the ammonium molybdophosphate (or with a colorimetric assay, as Ygg suggested).