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An inductively coupled plasma-time-of-flight mass spectrometer for elemental analysis. Part I: Optimization and
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|November 15, 2013
Summary
A new inductively coupled plasma-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ICP-TOFMS) was developed for elemental analysis. This ICP-TOFMS shows potential but requires further optimization for sensitivity and resolving power.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
- Atomic Spectroscopy
Background:
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful technique for elemental analysis.
- Traditional quadrupole ICP-MS instruments have limitations in speed and resolving power.
- Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) offers high acquisition rates and potential for improved resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and evaluate a novel inductively coupled plasma-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ICP-TOFMS) for elemental analysis.
- To assess the performance characteristics of the newly developed ICP-TOFMS, including resolving power, sensitivity, and mass bias.
- To identify areas for improvement in the ICP-TOFMS design for enhanced analytical capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Construction of an ICP-TOFMS instrument.
- Deflection of abundant Ar ions to mitigate detector dead time and space-charge effects.
- Operation of the ICP-TOFMS in a linear (nonreflecting) mode.
- Ion optics optimization to balance signal-to-noise ratio and resolving power.
- Application of positive potentials in the extraction region to enhance sensitivity.
Main Results:
- The ICP-TOFMS produces analog spectra comparable to quadrupole ICP-MS.
- A resolving power of 500 (FWHM) was achieved in linear mode.
- Mass bias was observed due to mass-dependent kinetic energies and ion steering requirements.
- The sampling duty cycle was approximately 3%, limiting sensitivity.
- Sensitivity was improved by a factor of 2-4 by applying positive potentials to the extraction region.
- TOFMS transmission efficiency was approximately 20%, limited by ion packet divergence.
Conclusions:
- The developed ICP-TOFMS is a viable instrument for elemental analysis, producing similar spectra to quadrupole systems.
- Current limitations in resolving power and sensitivity are attributed to ion optics and sampling duty cycle.
- Further optimization of ion optics and interface design is necessary to overcome mass bias and improve performance.
- The application of potentials in the extraction region shows promise for enhancing sensitivity in ICP-TOFMS.
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