Hydride generation, electrothermal vaporization and liquid chromatography as sample introduction techniques for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

Although the most common method of sample introduction for inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) used is pneumatic nebulization, it suffers from limitations particularly with respect to the transport efficiency. In an effort to improve the analyte transport to the plasma, many alternative techniques have been studied, including electrothermal vaporization (ETV) and hydride generation, among others. Flow injection and liquid chromatography, although they employ pneumatic nebulization, have also been studied as sample introduction techniques due to the ability to analyze small volume samples and obtain speciation information. Here, some advances in sample introduction for ICP-MS will be discussed including hydride generation and ETV techniques. In addition, recent studies in HPLC-ICP-MS will also be described. Advantages and disadvantages of each method will be reviewed together with the application to some representative samples.