Our journey to SCC-05-NP

We would like to thank everyone who has accompanied us on our journey to SCC-05-NP so far. We would particularly like to thank the active members of this project. We would like to thank Achim, Andrew, Dany, Dennis, Erin, Fei, Nathan, Tomas and Wim. You are all amazing! It was a long road from the initial idea to the finished product, but we made it with your help. The next step is to submit a paper and our ultimate goal is to establish a range of standards using synthetic calcium carbonates in order to create a calibration curve.

Take a look at our journey to SCC-05-NP

2019

“It all starts with an idea”

Simon, our CEO and founder, first shared his idea with us at the beginning of 2019. Since then, he has been researching precipitation reactions and developing ideas for a new synthetic material. Over time, this resulted in SCC-05-NP.

2021

“Preliminary tests in the lab”

In 2021, the first step in the laboratory was the precipitation of SCC-01. Once the material’s feasibility has been confirmed, the precipitation of three different types could be started as an experimental material on an R&D scale as part of a bachelor thesis.

March 2022

“Preparation and chemical characterisation of elementally doped calcium carbonates as reference materials for solid analysis”

This is the title of the bachelor’s thesis by our temporary employee Kjelt, which he wrote in cooperation with the Geomar Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, the CAU Kiel and us. It is about a precipitation reaction of calcium carbonates from calcium chloride and sodium carbonate. During precipitation, the samples were elementally doped with different concentrations. Pellets were then produced from the resulting three powders using our process.

December 2022

“Would you be interested in joining our beta-testing group?”

This question in our survey is the first step in assembling members of our new network. Which means: becoming our partner, being part of our network, get early access to new reference materials and contribute to the vision of a long-lasting standards.

February 2023

“Welcome to the inner circle!”

We have founded our VIP Group and set up an email distribution list. Then it all came together and we announced SCC-05-NP as our first project. SCC-05-NP is the abbreviation for Synthetic Calcium Carbonate Number 05 Nano-Pellet. This material has higher trace element concentrations, which are also more uniform, than those found in natural carbonates. It is intended to allow signal acquisitions on elements with typically low concentrations.

March 2023

“Nano-Pellets and powders have begun to leave Kiel”

After much hard work in the laboratory, the time has finally come. The samples of Nano-Powder and Nano-Pellets of SCC-05-NP have been sent to our partners around the world in small, well-packaged and securely wrapped parcels.

2024

“Data collection”

This year was dedicated by measurements, and we obtained the necessary data to characterize SCC-05. The methods WD-XRF, ICP-MS, Q-ICP-MS and SF-ICP-MS were performed, and a homogeneity test was carried out with LA-ICP-MA on the Nano-Pellets according to our protocol.

March 2025

“It has been too long, thank you ever so much for your patience”

We applied our certification protocol to the laser homogeneity test data, combining it with the solution data to form the final values in accordance with ISO Guide 35. Finally, we shared the data with the VIP Group and were available to answer any questions.

May 2025

“Doing the Paperwork”

In early 2025, we compiled the final data into a product information sheet and drafted a characterisation report. We also took photos for the website and finalised everything for the market launch.