Sample introduction for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry using an inductively heated vaporizer

Abstract

A sample introduction system for inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) which utilizes an induction coil for vaporizing analyte has been developed. This device uses HCl(g) in the carrier gas to prevent arcing in the induction furnace. Adding HCl has the additional benefit of acting as a physical carrier which can enhance analyte transport and allow the vaporization of relatively non-volatile elements. Experiments were carried out to investigate some of the performance characteristics of this vaporizer. Absolute detection limits using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) for a number of elements ranged from 1.5 to 30 ng corresponding to relative detection limits which ranged from 0.04 to 0.7 ng ml −1. Compared with solution nebulization, improvements in detection limits for these elements was 2–3 orders of magnitude. Analysis of Zn, Mn and Cu in a number of reference samples, including river water, lobster tissue and river sediment, demonstrated the applicability of this vaporizer for a variety of matrices.