Abstract: With the advancement of analytical techniques and the development of mass spectrometers (MC-ICP-MS and TIMS), the barium isotopic analysis methods have been significantly improved. The analytical precision of δ^138/134Ba is better than 0.05 ‰ (2SD) compared with 1 ‰ (2SD) in previous studies. This article reviewed the barium isotope analysis methods (solution methods) in the past ten years, and summarized the digestion methods, the chemical purification procedures, and the instrumental analysis of barium isotopes for different types of samples. In addition, the barium isotopic compositions of various reference materials analyzed in different laboratories are summarized in this study. We hope that this paper will help researchers to establish in situ analysis methods of Ba isotopes, and also provide support in Ba isotope fractionation mechanism deduction and geological applications.

Key words: barium isotopes, analytical method, TIMS, MC-ICP-MS