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Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab

AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the...

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab

For AAS measurements, samples must be introduced as clear solutions, often requiring extensive preliminary treatment to dissolve materials like soils, animal tissues, and minerals. Common methods for sample preparation include treatment with hot mineral acids, wet ashing, combustion in closed containers, high-temperature ashing, or fusion with reagents.
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing...

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference

In atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), high-temperature atomizers excite a broad range of elements and molecules that generate complex emissions from sources such as oxides, hydroxides, and flame combustion products in the flame or plasma. Several strategies can be employed to minimize spectral interferences caused by overlapping emission lines or bands. These include increasing instrument resolution, choosing alternative emission lines, optimally placing the detector in low-background regions,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2025

Generation of Electronic Cigarette Aerosol by a Third-Generation Machine-Vaping Device: Application to Toxicological Studies

Generation of Electronic Cigarette Aerosol by a Third-Generation Machine-Vaping Device: Application to Toxicological Studies

Published on: August 25, 2018

Metals quantification in e-cigarettes liquids by Total Reflection X-ray Spectrometry.

Gabriel Minto Faria¹, Tiago Dutra Galvão², Paulo Sergio Parreira¹

¹Applied Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes : Including Data, Instrumentation and Methods for Use in Agriculture, Industry and Medicine

|July 31, 2023

Summary

This study analyzed electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) using Total Reflection X-ray Spectrometry (TXRF). Some e-liquids contained potentially harmful metal concentrations exceeding safe drinking water limits.

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Area of Science:

Analytical Chemistry
Environmental Health
Materials Science

Background:

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are increasingly popular globally.
The health risks associated with e-cigarette use necessitate thorough investigation.
Characterizing the chemical composition of e-liquids is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize the elemental composition of electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids).
To evaluate the suitability of Total Reflection X-ray Spectrometry (TXRF) for e-liquid analysis.
To identify potentially hazardous constituents in e-liquids.

Main Methods:

Utilized Total Reflection X-ray Spectrometry (TXRF) for elemental analysis.
Employed the internal standard method for accurate quantification of constituents.
Validated spectrometer performance using certified reference materials and spiked samples.

Main Results:

Quantified elements including K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, and Pb in e-liquids.
Detected concentrations of certain elements exceeding potable water limits in 10 out of 38 analyzed samples.
Principal Component Analysis effectively identified samples with elevated toxic element levels.

Conclusions:

TXRF is a highly effective and simple technique for the elemental analysis of e-liquids.
The presence of certain metals in e-liquids poses potential health risks.
Further research into e-liquid constituents and their toxicological impact is warranted.