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LA-ICP-MS using a nitrogen plasma source.

Christoph Neff1, Pascal Becker1, Bodo Hattendorf1

  • 1Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1 8093 Zürich Switzerland detlef.guenther@sl.ethz.ch bodo@inorg.chem.ethz.ch.

Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry
|August 30, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces laser ablation with a nitrogen inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-(N2-ICP)-MS) system. The new nitrogen plasma method shows comparable or better detection limits than traditional argon systems for elemental analysis.

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Area of Science:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Geochemistry
  • Spectroscopy

Background:

  • Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful technique for elemental analysis.
  • Argon (Ar) is the conventional plasma gas, but it can cause spectral interferences.
  • Nitrogen (N2) offers an alternative plasma gas with potential benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the feasibility and performance of a nitrogen-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry system coupled with laser ablation (LA-(N2-ICP)-MS).
  • To evaluate the quantification capabilities for major and trace elements.
  • To compare the limits of detection (LODs) with traditional argon-based systems (LA-(Ar-ICP)-MS).

Main Methods:

  • A microwave-sustained, atmospheric-pressure N2-ICP source was coupled to a quadrupole ICP-MS instrument.
  • Plasma background species and interferences under dry plasma conditions were analyzed.
  • Instrumental drift was assessed.
  • Quantification of elements in reference materials (NIST SRM 612, BCR-2G) using NIST SRM 610 as an external standard.

Main Results:

  • The study successfully demonstrated the quantification of major to trace elements using LA-(N2-ICP)-MS.
  • Identified suitable isotopes and characterized new nitrogen plasma interferences.
  • Achieved quantification within the uncertainty of reference values for selected elements.
  • LA-(N2-ICP)-MS exhibited similar or lower limits of detection compared to LA-(Ar-ICP)-MS for most elements.

Conclusions:

  • LA-(N2-ICP)-MS is a viable alternative to LA-(Ar-ICP)-MS for elemental analysis.
  • The nitrogen plasma system can overcome common argon interferences.
  • This approach has the potential to significantly reduce plasma gas costs in elemental analysis.