Arc nebulization for elemental analysis of conducting solids by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Anal. Chem.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00121a031· OSTI ID:5569792

Jiang, S J; Houk, R S

A technique for direct elemental analysis of metals or other solid conductors is described. The sample serves as a cathode in an intermittent arc. The eroded sample material condenses into particulates which are then transported into an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) with detection of the resulting ions by a mass spectrometer (MS). The resulting analyte spectra consist almost entirely of atomic ions with little or no detectable oxide ions. Polyatomic ions from acid solvents (e.g., ClO/sup +/), which interfere with some analyte peaks during aqueous nebulization, are also avoided. Detection limits are in the microgram per gram range for the elements studied. Calibration curves are linear up to approx. 0.1 wt % analyte; curvature is seen at higher concentrations for some elements. Samples can be changed in 1 min, and relative precision and accuracy are approximately 5%. Arc nebulization permits use of ICP-MS for analytical applications in which sample dissolution is not feasible.

• Research Organization: Ames Lab., IA
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-82
• OSTI ID: 5569792
• Journal Information: Anal. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: Anal. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 58:8; ISSN ANCHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400104* -- Spectral Procedures-- (-1987)
ACCURACY
ALLOYS
ALUMINIUM
ANTIMONY
ARSENIC
ATOMIZATION
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHROMIUM
COBALT
DATA
ELEMENTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
INFORMATION
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
METALS
MOLYBDENUM
NICKEL
NIOBIUM
NUMERICAL DATA
PARTICLES
PLASMA
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SEMIMETALS
SILICON
SOLIDS
SPECTROSCOPY
STEELS
TANTALUM
TITANIUM
TRACE AMOUNTS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TUNGSTEN
VANADIUM
ZIRCONIUM