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Title: Preliminary characterization of a low-powered microwave induced flame plasma for direct organic solvent nebulization

Journal Article · · Review of Scientific Instruments
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3664618· OSTI ID:22062392
;  [1]
  1. Department of Chemistry, California State University, 2555 East San Ramon Ave., M/S SB70, Fresno, California 93740-8034 (United States)

A low powered (<90 W) microwave-induced plasma has been generated at atmospheric pressure by using a Beenakker cavity, a laboratory constructed torch, and a gas mixture of argon (400 ml/min), hydrogen (100 ml/min), and air (130 ml/min). This plasma has an excitation temperature of 3300-3500 K, electron number density of 7 x 10{sup 14} cm{sup -3}, and easily accepts direct methanol and ethanol introduction with a 1 ml/min solution nebulization rate. Detection limits (3{sigma}) obtained from the atomic emission signals of Li, Sr, and Cr in water are 15, 120, and 290 ng/ml, respectively. Similarly, detection limits for the metals in methanol are 15, 120, and 260 ng/ml, respectively, and in ethanol they are 25, 360, and 330 ng/ml, respectively. The linear dynamic range is greater than three orders of magnitude.

OSTI ID:
22062392
Journal Information:
Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 82, Issue 12; Other Information: (c) 2011 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English