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ICPMS/MS with Benzene Vapor
Bodo Hattendorf1, Tiphanie Renevey1, Detlef Günther1
1ETH Zurich, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemistry, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
Analytical Chemistry
|March 14, 2025
Summary
Benzene addition to inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry enhances analyte detection by reducing spectral interferences. This method significantly improves the sensitivity for elements like sulfur and selenium.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
- Atomic Spectroscopy
Background:
- Inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) is a powerful technique for elemental analysis.
- Spectral overlaps from isobaric and molecular ions often limit the sensitivity and accuracy of ICP-MS/MS.
- Developing strategies to mitigate these interferences is crucial for trace element determination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of benzene vapor in the reaction cell of an ICP-MS/MS to improve analyte detection.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of benzene adducts in separating atomic ions from spectral interferences.
- To quantify the improvements in sensitivity and background equivalent concentrations (BECs) for various analytes.
Main Methods:
- Benzene vapor was introduced into the helium flow of an octopole reaction cell in an ICP-MS/MS.
- Product ion spectra were recorded for plasma-based atomic and molecular ions.
- Analyte and interferent sensitivity ratios and BECs were compared with and without benzene addition, and with co-added adducts (oxo, water).
Main Results:
- Benzene addition significantly improved analyte detection, achieving up to 4 orders of magnitude improvement in BECs for some analytes.
- Substantial detection improvements were observed for sulfur (S) and selenium (Se), with BECs reduced to μg/L and ng/L ranges, respectively.
- Combined use of benzene with oxo or water adducts yielded sensitivity ratios >10^4 for separating isobaric isotopes (Rb/Sr) and molecular interferences (CeO+/Gd+). Benzene also reduced BEC for Si by nearly 3 orders of magnitude.
Conclusions:
- Benzene addition is an effective strategy for reducing spectral interferences in ICP-MS/MS, leading to enhanced sensitivity.
- The combination of benzene with other adducts further improves the separation of challenging isobaric and molecular interferences.
- This approach offers a valuable tool for improving the detection limits of various elements, including S, Se, and Si.
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