Effect of Sample Matrix on Radial and Axial Profiles of Ion Abundance in Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

In inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis, only a few options are available to deal with non-spectroscopic interferences. Considering that diluting the sample is impractical for traces analysis, other alternatives must be employed. Traditionally, the method of standard additions is used to correct the matrix effect but it is a time consuming method. Others methods involves separation techniques. Another way to overcome matrix interferences is to understand the mechanism involved and adjust plasma viewing conditions to reduce or eliminate the effect. In this study, the effect of various concomitant elements in ICP-MS was assessed by measuring the distribution of selected singly charged analyte ions (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, In, Ba, La, Ce, Pb), doubly charged ions (La, Ce, Ba and Pb) and oxides ions (BaO) in the presence of concomitant elements spanning a mass range from 23 (Na) to 133 (Cs) u.m.a. and different ionization energies. Concomitant elements are alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and Si. Analyte ion suppression was observed while moving the ICP across and away from the sampling interface with or without a single concomitant element. Matrix effect measures were realised, firstly, to highlight the relation between the signal extinction of an analyte and the masse of the concomitant element, and secondly to highlight the relation between the removal of the analyte signal and the first ionization energy of the element of matrix. A dependence upon both the mass of the matrix element and the mass of the analyte was observed. The suppression seems increased with increasing matrix element mass and decreased with increasing analyte mass. The effect of the mass of the matrix element was the more significant of the two factors. If space-charge effects were found to be significant for matrix elements of much lower mass, it seems diffusion also played an active part for heavier matrix elements. Finally, some evidence was found for a shift in ion-atom equilibrium for dications and for energy demand regarding oxides.