Metals

ICP-MS – Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

ICP-MS – Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

ICP-MS – Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

The mass spectrometry with an inductively coupled plasma is a very sensitive method and is primarily used for metal analysis.  The sample to be analyzed is digested with a matrix-suitable method and injected into the plasma after nebulization.  Plasma temperatures of 6,000 to 12,000 K lead to an evaporation of the aerosol and an ionization of the contained atoms. With a high vacuum the ions are transferred through an interface and an ion optics into the mass spectrometer. The selection of individual masses is done by a quadrupole with changing voltage and frequency ratios, so that only one mass is detected at a time.

The method enables the detection of many elements over several decades of ten and is particularly suitable for quantification in the trace range. The typical application range is the µg/L and ng/L range. In addition to the quantification of numerous elements, isotope ratios can also be determined.

 

Which elements can be determined?

With the ICP-MS we analyse the following 68 elements:

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

Which concentrations can be determined?

All elements can be analyzed as major, minor and trace component. Determination limits of a few µg/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 hardly soluble 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 or µg/kg): approx. 100 mg / matrix dependent

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