Applications of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in materials science

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) have been applied as the most important inorganic mass spectrometric techniques having multielemental capability for the characterization of solid samples in materials science. ICP-MS is used for the sensitive determination of trace and ultratrace elements in digested solutions of solid samples or of process chemicals (ultrapure water, acids and organic solutions) for the semiconductor industry with detection limits down to sub-picogram per liter levels. Whereas ICP-MS on solid samples (e.g. high-purity ceramics) sometimes requires time-consuming sample preparation for its application in materials science, and the risk of contamination is a serious drawback, a fast, direct determination of trace elements in solid materials without any sample preparation by LA-ICP-MS is possible. The detection limits for the direct analysis of solid samples by LA-ICP-MS have been determined for many elements down to the nanogram per gram range. A deterioration of detection limits was observed for elements where interferences with polyatomic ions occur. The inherent interference problem can often be solved by applying a double-focusing sector field mass spectrometer at higher mass resolution or by collision-induced reactions of polyatomic ions with a collision gas using an ICP-MS fitted with collision cell. The main problem of LA-ICP-MS is quantification if no suitable standard reference materials with a similar matrix composition are available. The calibration problem in LA-ICP-MS can be solved using on-line solution-based calibration, and different procedures, such as external calibration and standard addition, have been discussed with respect to their application in materials science. The application of isotope dilution in solution-based calibration for trace metal determination in small amounts of noble metals has been developed as a new calibration strategy. This review discusses new analytical developments and possible applications of ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS for the quantitative determination of trace elements and in surface analysis for materials science.     

Semiquantitative Analysis of Biological Materials by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry

Semiquantitative analysis with accuracy of ±30 to 50% is a valuable tool for rapid screening of samples prior to quantitative determination of trace metals. In this study semiquantitative analysis software available with commercial inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrumentation is applied for rapid multielemental analysis, and the accuracy and precision of this semiquantitative analysis approach is evaluated with biological certified reference materials. Samples were prepared by high-pressure, high-temperature nitric acid vapor-phase digestion. For most elements the measured semiquantitative results are in the range of the certified values. With appropriate analyte solution dilution, the measured concentrations of the major elements (e.g., Ca) also agree with certified values. The accuracy is within ±10% for 28 element determinations that include 16 individual elements (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sr, Tl, and Zn) and ±20% for 54 element determinations that include three more elements (Mg, V, and U) in eight certified reference materials including water. The method precision is 11 ± 11% (relative standard deviation,n= 65).     

交互模式-电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)法测定生态地球化学植物样品中7种金属元素

植物样品中各元素的含量,是评价土壤质量及健康的重要指标。为满足测定大批量生态地球化学植物样品中多金属元素分析要求,建立了交互模式-电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)法测定植物样品中7种痕量金属元素的定量分析方法。讨论了ICP-MS的STD、KED(He)、交互模式3种方法测定植物样品中7种金属元素结果。结果表明,利用工作曲线法配制Hg标准溶液,更改⁸²Se在线校正方程系数为1.83,在ICP-MS的交互模式下测定植物样品中⁸²Se、⁶³Cu、⁶⁰Ni、⁶⁶Zn、¹¹¹Cd、⁷⁵As、²⁰²Hg可以得到准确可靠的结果,克服了植物样品中Se和Hg元素测定的难题。基于所建方法各元素校准曲线系数>0.999,方法检出限为0.000 4～0.08 mg/kg,加标回收率在96.2%～107%,测定GBW10010a(大米)、GBW10012(玉米)、GBW10021(豆角)3种标准物质,结果均在参考值范围内,相对标...     

土壤、沉积物系列标准物质中38种元素的ICP-MS定值

探讨了电感耦合等离子体质谱测定土壤元素的基体效应及元素间的基体干扰，采用模拟土壤元素天然组成比值的校正溶液，利用^115In-^103Rh双内标校正系统有效地抑制了分析信号的动态漂移，建立了测定土壤中元素的ICP－MS方法；对GBW07410－07416土壤、沉积物系列标准物质进行定值，测定结果与XRF分析结果比较，同时用于GBW07404、GBW07405、GBW07408、GBW07309管理样分析，结果令人满意。     

一体化碰撞反应 (iCRC)-电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定地质样品中痕量稀土元素

钡以及轻稀土元素氧化物对中、重稀土元素的干扰一直是质谱测试中存在的问题。建立了石墨粉垫底碳酸钠-硼酸混合熔剂熔融前处理样品,以_¹⁰³Rh为内标校正,一体化碰撞反应-电感耦合等离子体质谱仪法测定地质样品中稀土元素含量的方法。探讨了碳酸钠-硼酸混合熔剂熔融前处理样品注意事项、碰撞模式下碰撞气流量和离子透镜的参数的优化、干扰校正试验等问题,采用国家标准物质GBW07403、GBW07405、GBW07427、GBW07429验证,实验结果表明,各元素线性关系良好,相关系数均大于0.999,方法检出限在0.01～0.03mg/kg之间,相对误差为0.13%～7.1%,相对标准偏差为0.79%～6.59%,测试结果与标准值相吻合。对实际样品分析,得到平滑的球粒陨石归一化的稀土元素配分曲线,证明测定结果是合理可信的。该方法熔剂用量少,过程空白低,对器皿的侵蚀小,直接加热浸取,简化了操作过程,适用于大批量地质样品中稀土元素的测定。     

Determination of calcium, iron and manganese in moss by automated discrete sampling flame atomic absorption spectrometry as an alternative to the ICP-MS analysis

An automated, fast and reliable procedure has been developed for flame atomic absorption analysis of Ca, Fe and Mn in moss. The method is suitable for routine analysis of a large number of moss samples and allows sequential determination of all three elements in the same solution. In order to inhibit the matrix interference on Ca and to level the diverse analytical behaviour of the moss matrix, approximately 1% La was added to both samples and standard solutions as well. An integrated system of ‘sandwich-type’ air segmented discrete sample introduction and flame atomic absorption detection (ASDI-FAAS) was successfully applied. It works at ‘solvent-air-sample-air-solvent’ mode, which tolerates the introduction of high salt content solutions, reduces reagent and sample consumption and allows the application of data treatment models to pseudo-steady state signals for bettering the repeatability. For moss samples containing high Ca and Fe concentrations, equivalent procedure was used by turned on 45° burner head without worsening the analytical characteristics. Concerning these three elements, the method is suggested as a cheaper, easier and more trustworthy alternative with a better precision to the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) one. The ASDI-FAAS results were used for selection of appropriate isotopes and correction procedures for ICP-MS determination. Both methods show good agreement of the Ca, Fe and Mn results that correspond to the moss reference materials tested.     

Development of multi-elemental method for quality control of parenteral component solutions using ICP-MS

An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for elemental impurities determination in components used for parenteral nutrition solutions is proposed. Solutions of amino acids (10% m/v), glucose (50% m/v) and lipids (20% m/v) were analyzed. Arsenic, Cd, Cu, Pb and Mo were determined by ICP-MS operated at standard mode, whilst pneumatic nebulization was used for introducing the sample solution into the ICP. Mercury was determined using cold vapor generation (CVG) coupled to ICP-MS. Chromium, Mn, Ni and V were determined by means of dynamic reaction cell-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (DRC-ICP-MS), while ammonia was used as reaction gas. The operational conditions of each technique were optimized in order to achieve better sensitivity, precision and accuracy. The influence of the sample matrix, mainly carbon, on all investigated elements was evaluated. The use of DRC was effective to reduce interferences on Cr, Mn, Ni and V determination. The other investigated elements (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Mo and Hg) were determined directly in the samples, which were properly diluted. Results obtained were in good agreement (between 96 and 103%) with certified values (certified reference materials of water were analyzed), at the same time as the relative standard deviation was lower than 5%. Sample throughput was relatively high (up to 30 samples of components used for parenteral nutrition solution could be analyzed per hour). In this way, the proposed method can be recommended for routine analysis.     

Multi-element analysis of compost by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been applied to multi-element determination in compost samples. Since compost is a heterogeneous mixture of organic and inorganic materials, the influence of sample heterogeneity on the accuracy and precision of analysis was investigated. Several parameters related to the following were studied: laser (energy, laser-beam diameter, preablation. rastering speed, carrier-gas flow rate), sample preparation (use of compacted pellets, grinding time, particle size, sample amount, length of hydraulic press treatment, position of line scan), and the ICP-MS system (quantitative versus semiquantitative analysis, matrix-matched standards and liquid standards calibration). The main causes of imprecision in sample preparation were determined to be particle size and grinding time. The effect of sample heterogeneity on precision was also evaluated by using different test samples (pellets). For Ni, Zn and Pb, the greatest contribution to the total relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) was related to analyte determination. For Mn and Cu, sample heterogeneity and analyte determination contributed equally to the total R.S.D., whereas for Cr, Co, Cd and Hg sample heterogeneity accounted for most of the total R.S.D. A comparison of semiquantitative and quantitative analysis modes showed that better precision and very good agreement with certified reference material was obtained with the latter, but semiquantitative analysis could be a practical alternative. Although accuracy of results was improved with matrix-matched standards calibration the use of standard addition calibration with aqueous standards could be another possibility.     

Direct μ-flow injection isotope dilution ICP-MS for the determination of heavy metals in oil samples

The determination of trace elements in oil samples and their products is of high interest as their presence significantly affects refinery processes and the environment by possible impact of their combustion products. In this context, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) plays an important role due to its outstanding analytical properties in the quantification of trace elements. In this work, we present the accurate and precise determination of selected heavy metals in oil samples by making use of the combination of μ-flow direct injection and isotope dilution ICP-MS (ICP-IDMS). Spike solutions of ⁶²Ni, ⁹⁷Mo, ¹¹⁷Sn and ²⁰⁶Pb were prepared in an organic solvent, mixed directly with the diluted oil samples and tested to be fit for purpose for the intended ID approach. The analysis of real samples revealed strong matrix effects affecting the ICP-MS sensitivity, but not the isotope ratio measurements, so that accurate results are obtained by ICP-IDMS. Typical relative standard deviations were about 15% for peak area and peak height measurements, whereas the isotope ratios were not significantly affected (RSD < 2%). The developed method was validated by the analysis of a metallo-organic multi-element standard (SCP-21, typically applied as a calibration standard) and the standard reference material SRM1084a (wear metals in lubricating oil). The obtained results were in excellent agreement with the certified values (recoveries between 98% and 102%), so the proposed methodology of combining μ-flow direct injection and ICP-IDMS can be regarded as a new tool for the matrix-independent, multi-element and reliable determination of trace elements in oil and related organic liquids.     

Room temperature acid sonication ICP-MS multielemental analysis of milk

Room temperature acid sonication of milk samples is proposed as a fast alternative methodology for the determination of the total content of 45 elements (Li, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, U, Sb, Te, Cs, Ba, Hg, Pb, Bi, Th, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf and Ta) in milk by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The aforementioned procedure involves a 10 min sample pre-treatment. Measurements were made in quantitative and semiquantitative (Totalquant^®) modes of analysis using Rh as internal standard and Be, Ge, Tb and Re for internal calibration of the equipment in the semiquantitative mode. The selected isotopes were in general the most abundant ones of each element, except in cases where polyatomic or isobaric interferences were detected. Results of total concentrations in 10 liquid and 11 powdered commercially available milk samples were presented. Method validation was performed by measuring a SRM NIST-1549 non-fat milk powder and through the use of recovery experiments. Additionally, the proposed methodology was compared with a method based on a previous microwave-assisted digestion of samples and a direct analysis of 1:4 diluted samples.     

Optimization of sample preparation and ICP-MS analysis for determination of 60 elements for characterization of the plant ionome

An ICP-MS method for determination of 60 elements in plant samples is proposed based on optimization of digestion, recommending use of HF besides HNO₃ and H₂O₂ and calibration procedures, using CRMs for construction of calibration curves. Adequate choice of analytical isotopes and various measurement conditions (cold plasma for the determination of Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Si and Sr and DRC mode for determination of Ag, As, Ni, Pd, Pt, Se and V) as well as introduction of appropriate corrections lead to determination of as large number of elements with quadropole ICP-MS as with the more expensive SF-ICP-MS. Two measurements are performed: cold plasma and standard/DRC mode. The analytical characteristics of the method are demonstrated by analysis of five CRMs and the agreement of the experimental results with the certified/information/literature values is very good. Detection limits are low enough to permit the determination of all elements but platinum metals at background level. The applicability of the method is demonstrated by analysis of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) samples collected from regions with different anthropogenic influence. The results indicate high degree of pollution round the Pb-Zn smelter with As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn and increased concentrations of B, Be, Bi, Hg, In, Mn, Sb, Se, Sn, Ti, Tl, V and Zr. The dandelion sample, collected along a highway has increased concentrations of traffic released elements: Pt, Pd, Rh, Ce, La, Pb as well as Cu, Zn, Ba and Rb.     

二氧化钛中杂质元素ICP-MS法测定的研究

本文报道了用电感耦合等离子质谱（ICP-MS）测定二氧化钛中18种杂质元素的方法。样品用浓硫酸及固体硫酸铵溶解至清亮后,加入内标元素45Sc、115In、205Tl,用内标法直接测定。讨论了二氧化钛的基体效应及钛产生的质谱干扰对测定结果的影响。方法的检出限是0．03～12．0ng／mL,相对标准偏差是1．4～12．5％,加标回收率是92．0％～103％。该法具有简便、快速、灵敏、准确等优点。     

电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定煤矸石中微量锗和镓

建立了测定煤矸石中微量锗和镓的电感耦合等离子体质谱法。煤矸石试样经高温灰化,用硝酸-氢氟酸-高氯酸-磷酸分解,以电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定其中的锗和镓。通过在线三通加入内标元素铑,消除非质谱干扰;通过选择干扰元素的异质同位素进行定量测定,采用数学公式在线校正,消除质谱干扰。与分光光度法进行比对,锗、镓测定结果的相对偏差为-0.63%~0.28%。克服了常规化学分析方法步骤繁琐、耗时长、工作量大的不足。该法测定结果的相对标准偏差小于3%(n=6),加标回收率为97.4%~102.5%。该方法具有检出限低、快速、简便、线性范围宽、多元素同时测定等优点,分析误差满足化学分析法的要求,可用于煤矸石中锗和镓的测定。     

Determination of Platinum Group Elements in Sulfide-Containing Minerals by Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry with Synthetic Calibration Standards

This paper develops sulfide calibration standards for quantitative determination of platinum group elements in natural sulfide-containing minerals by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). A series of sulfide calibration standards containing different concentrations of platinum group elements were prepared using a home-made high temperature furnace. Homogeneity of element distribution expressed as the RSD of signal intensity were less than 10%. The effective concentrations of platinum group elements in synthetic calibration standards were obtained both by pneumatic nebulization ICP-MS and by LA-ICP-MS. Relative percentage differences of these results obtained by two methods were mainly less than 11%. The synthetic calibration standards were then employed as calibrators for quantitative determination of platinum group elements in two natural chalcopyrite samples. The valid results demonstrated that our synthetic standards could be considered for quantitative microanalysis of platinum group elements in natural sulfide-containing minerals.     

Determination of major, minor and trace elements in rock samples by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: Progress in the utilization of borate glasses as targets

The present work is a continuation of a research study performed at our laboratory aiming at the multielement analysis of rock samples (basalts and shale) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in combination with laser ablation using borate glasses as analytical targets. Argon, nitrogen-argon mixtures and helium were evaluated as cell gases, the latter confirming its better performance. Different operational parameters of the laser, such as gas flow, energy, focus, scanning speed and sampling frequency were optimized. External calibration was made with standards prepared by fusion of geological reference materials (basalts 688 and BCR-2, obsidian SRM 278, and shale SGR-1) of different mass fractions in the meta-tetra borate matrix. Coefficients of determination (R²) were > 0.99 for 30 elements from o total of 40 determined. Method validation was then performed using additional certified reference materials (BHVO-2, BIR-1, SCo-1) produced as borate targets in a similar way. Accuracies were better than 10% for most of the elements studied and analytical precisions, calculated from the residual standard deviations of calibration curves were, typically, between 6% and 10%. Additionally, the semiquantitative TotalQuant® technique was applied, which gave, within the expected uncertainty for this calibration technique, concordant results when compared to the quantitative external calibration procedure. Both methods were then used for the analysis of marine shale samples, which are of great geological interest in petroleum prospecting.     

电感耦合等离子体光谱/质谱联机同时测定多金属结核中常量、微量、痕量元素

采用电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)与等离子体光谱(ICP-OES)联机同时测定多金属结核样品中常量、微量、痕量元素。样品经高压密封溶样弹消解后,一次气动雾化进样,ICP-OES测定常量和微量元素,ICP-MS测定微量和痕量元素。详细探讨了不同浓度范围元素的测定方式、元素分析信号的采集模式、多原子离子干扰的校正因子。采用ICP-MS与ICP-OES二种方式同时测定Co、Cu、Ni、Zn、V、Ba、Sr,分析结果表明具有较好的一致性。所建立的ICP-MS与ICP-OES联机检测技术用于多金属结核标准样品的分析(Nod-A-1,GSPN-1,GSPN-2,GSPN-3),分析结果与推荐值符合,相对标准偏差小于10％。     

Automated in situ trace element analysis of silicate materials by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

This paper describes the automated in situ trace element analysis of solid materials by laser ablation (LA) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A compact computer-controlled solid state Nd:YAG Merchantek EO UV laser ablation (LA) system has been coupled with the high sensitivity VG PQII S ICP-MS. A two-directional communication was interfaced in-house between the ICP-MS and the LA via serial RS-232 port. Each LA-ICP-MS analysis at a defined point includes a 60 s pre-ablation delay, a 60 s ablation, and a 90 s flush delay. The execution of each defined time setting by LA was corresponding to the ICP-MS data acquisition allowing samples to be run in automated cycle sequences like solution auto-sampler ICP-MS analysis. Each analytical cycle consists of four standards, one control reference material, and 15 samples, and requires about 70 min. Data produced by Time Resolved Analysis (TRA) from ICP-MS were later reduced off-line by in-house written software. Twenty-two trace elements from four reference materials (NIST SRM 613, and fused glass chips of BCR-2, SY-4, and G-2) were determined by the automated LA-ICP-MS method. NIST SRM 610 or NIST SRM 613 was used as an external calibration standard, and Ca as an internal standard to correct for drift, differences in transport efficiency and sampling yield. Except for Zr and Hf in G-2, relative standard deviations for all other elements are less than 10%. Results compare well with the data reported from literature with average limits of detection from 1 ng x g(-1) to 455 ng x g(-1) and less than 100 ng x g(-1) for most trace elements.     

标准溶液配制用碳酸锂纯物质中杂质含量的测定

从高纯碳酸锂中杂质含量测定出发,研讨了标准溶液配制用原料的杂质测定方法,首先利用电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)法对高纯碳酸锂进行半定量分析,再依据半定量分析结果选择ICP-MS、电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱(ICP-AES)法、原子吸收光谱(AAS)法等方法对相应元素(杂质含量0.001%)进行定量分析,通过扣除杂质含量得出高纯碳酸锂纯度大于99.991%。从而建立了一个准确、高效,覆盖元素种类多的高纯物质中杂质含量的分析方法     

Strategies for internal quality control in antidoping analyses

Internal quality control (IQC) is one of the most important elements contributing to quality assurance in the laboratory. In this study, the strategy for the implementation of an IQC program to monitor performance of the analytical procedures used in an antidoping control laboratory is presented. Different IQC parameters have been defined according to the aim of the method (qualitative or quantitative, screening or confirmation). They are based on the analysis of control and calibration samples in each analytical batch and on the use of an internal standard in chromatographic methods. IQC parameters for chromatographic and immunological methods and the acceptance criteria used to check the quality control data obtained are described and discussed. These IQC procedures have been applied during routine antidoping analyses of more than 5000 samples per year in a laboratory accredited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and meeting the requirements of the quality standard ISO 17025.     

-电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定硅锰冶炼渣中8种金属元素

实验采用HCl-HNO₃-HF-HClO₄混合酸为消解体系对样品进行前处理,加入1.0 mL盐酸羟胺溶液(100 g/L)溶解残渣,选择合适的同位素,以¹⁰³Rh为内标测定Cr、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn和Cd,以¹⁹³Ir为内标测定Tl和Pb,建立了电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)法测定硅锰冶炼渣中8种重金属元素的方法。实验发现,样品前处理选择HCl∶HNO₃∶HF∶HClO₄=5∶5∶5∶1,并在复溶阶段加入1.0 mL盐酸羟胺溶液(100 g/L)可以完全消解样品,实验采用KED模式和干扰系数校正法消除质谱干扰,样品中待测元素的测定结果不受基体成分的干扰。通过绘制校准曲线及测定流程空白,各元素校准曲线的相关系数均大于0.9999,方法检出限为0.006~0.19 mg/kg,方法定量限为0.018~0.57 mg/kg。对硅锰渣实际样品进行测定,各元素的相对标准偏差(RSD,n=11)在0.83%~4.1%,加标回收率为94.7%~106%;经过人员比对实验,相对偏差为-4.54%~4.24%。测定结果稳定可靠,能满足硅锰冶炼渣中8种微量金属元素含量的分析检测要求。