[Research advance in slurry sample introduction for plasma emission spectrometry/mass spectrometry]

The present review is focused on the advances and applications of slurry introduction for plasma spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Preparation and characterization of the suspensions are described, including the methods for decreasing the particle size such as the bottle and bead method, mixing mill method, vibration mill method, and supersonic mill method. Dispersion of the particles can be controlled via adding dispersant and pH adjustment. Some methods for particle size measurement, namely, sedimentation, optical microscopy, photosedimentometry, laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, are also described. Effects of suspension concentration and calibration techniques, including calibration by simple aqueous standard, internal standard, correction by empirical correction factors, standard additions, intrinsic internal standardization, and standard slurries, are discussed. Fundamental study of slurry introduction and its applications to plasma spectrometry/mass spectrometry are reviewed.