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Three-electrode direct current argon plasma: studies in discrete sample introduction, mathematical correction of drifted plasma data, and organic solvent introduction effects in the plasma

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5383083

This thesis investigates three areas of research with the three-electrode direct-current argon plasma(DCP). The first area examines discrete sample introduction into the DCP. Discrete sampling, well known for its sample conservation advantage, has been used with flame atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopies but no work has been published on using this sampling mode with the DCP. Discrete sample introduction is compared here to the standard continuous sampling mode. An unique sample drop generator is described and characterized. Results are given for a variety of system effects and used to explain the effect of sample drop size on emission intensity. The second area of research involves the use of mathematical correction techniques for removing the effect of plasma emission drift from analytical data. The introduction of hydrophobic samples into the DCP is the last area examined in this thesis. Organic matrices are routinely run on the DCP but they can be prone to little understood matrix interferences effects. A modified sample introduction chimney was designed that largely eliminated the carbon buildup encountered with the standard chimney permitting extensive studies using organic solvent with the plasma. It was found that the analytical emission zone of the plasma appears to be spatially tied to the plasma core.

Research Organization:
Villanova Univ., PA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5383083
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English