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Heat-assisted argon electrospray interface for low-flow rate liquid sample introduction in plasma spectrometry
Ryan G Brennan1, Savelas A Rabb, Kaveh Jorabchi
1Department of Chemistry, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, USA.
Analytical Chemistry
|September 8, 2009
Summary
A novel heated laminar flow interface improves argon electrospray for inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry. This design enhances ICP stability and prevents signal loss, enabling reliable analysis of low-flow samples.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectrometry
Background:
- Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry faces challenges with sample introduction, particularly at low flow rates.
- Air entrainment and carbon deposition from organic solvents compromise ICP stability and analyte sensitivity in ICP-OES and ICP-MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop a heated laminar flow interface for argon electrospray sample introduction.
- To overcome limitations in ICP stability and analyte sensitivity caused by conventional electrospray methods.
Main Methods:
- A heated (approx. 90°C) laminar flow interface was designed and integrated with an argon electrospray system.
- A flow diffuser was employed to mitigate turbulence and droplet loss around the electrospray capillary.
- The interface was tested with a 5% methanol-water solution in a pure argon environment.
Main Results:
- The new interface design achieved a stable spray in a pure argon environment, eliminating air entrainment issues.
- Carbon deposit formation, a problem with higher organic solvent concentrations, was prevented.
- Turbulence and droplet loss were significantly reduced due to the laminar flow gas and flow diffuser.
Conclusions:
- The developed heated laminar flow interface successfully addresses stability and sensitivity issues in ICP spectrometry for low-flow applications.
- This innovative design enables the first-time successful implementation of argon electrospray on both ICP-OES and ICP-MS instruments.
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