{{distinguish|Microscopy|Microscopy and Microanalysis}} {{More citations needed|date=January 2021}} '''Microanalysis''' is the chemical identification and quantitative analysis of very small amounts of chemical substances (generally less than 10 mg or 1 ml) or very small surfaces of material (generally less than 1 cm<sup>2</sup>). One of the pioneers in the microanalysis of chemical elements was the Slovenian-Austrian Nobel Prize winner Fritz Pregl.<ref>http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1923/index.html ''The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1923''. Nobelprize.org. Retrieved 2014-08-06</ref>
== Methods == The most known methods used in microanalysis include: * Most of the spectroscopy methods: ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray fluorescence, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry * Most of the chromatography methods : high-performance liquid chromatography, Gel permeation chromatography; * Some thermal analysis methods: differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis; * Electrophoresis; * Field flow fractionation; * X-ray diffraction; * Combustion analysis.
== Advantages == Compared to normal analyses methods, microanalysis: * Can resolve fine-scale variations in chemical elements. * Can be used to identify the presence and distribution of different phases in materials. * Requires less sample material and therefore can provide information on microscopic objects.
== Disadvantages == * Handling of small quantities is not always simple. * Higher accuracy of weighing is necessary (e.g. use of accurate balance). * Sample surface preparation can have a major impact on measurement results.
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Analytical chemistry
{{Analytical-chemistry-stub}}