ICP-AES – Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Metals

ICP-AES – Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

The atomic emission spectroscopy (or optical emission spectroscopy – OES) with an inductively coupled plasma is an analytical method for the qualitative and, after calibration, quantitative detection of metals and some nonmetals (e.g. iodine, phosphorus or sulfur). After nebulization, the digestion solution to be analyzed is transported into an argon plasma. The temperatures in the plasma ranges from 6,000 to 12,000 K, causing a vaporization of the aerosol and an ionization of the contained atoms. The wavelengths of the emitted light are element-specific and are detected after spectral decomposition in a polychromator by using CID-technology.

The method covers large spectral ranges and enables an analysis of approx. 70 elements. The quantification of the elements is possible over several decades of ten. The typical application range is the µg/ml and µg/L-range.

Which elements can be determined?

With the ICP-AES we analyse the following 71 elements:

Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, I, In, Ir, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, Os, P, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl,Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr

Which concentrations can be determined?

All elements can be analyzed as major, minor and trace component.
Determination limits of a few mg/kg are possible depending on the sample matrix.

Which sample matrix can be analyzed?

Almost all solid and liquid matrices can be analyzed. For the conversion of the sample into an analysable solution various digestion systems are available. Also extremely stable matrices can be dissolved.

Typical tasks include the analysis of:

Organic, organometallic and inorganic compounds from chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmacy or material sciences
Organometallic and organic compounds as a pure substance or bound to support materials
Polymers in the form of powders, foams, films or granules, such as fluoropolymers, rubber, PE, PP, PUR or PVC
Ceramic compounds such as carbides, carbonitrides, nitrides, oxides, oxycarbides, oxynitrides or silicates
Precious metals containing substances in the form of pure metals and alloys, oxides, organometallic compounds, ores or catalysts
Metals and alloys from the metal and automotive industry, aerospace or medical and 3D laser technology
Organic, acidic, alkaline or aqueous solutions from electroplating, petrochemistry, food industry

Which sample quantity is required for the analysis?

Metal as major component: ≥ 0.5 mg
Metal as trace component (few mg/kg): approx. 100 mg / matrix depending

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