Multielement analysis of coal by ICP techniques using solution nebulization and laser ablation

The combination of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the determination of 70 elements in coal were studied. Four microwave-assisted digestion procedures with different dissolution mixtures (nitric and hydrofluoric acids, aqua regia and hydrogen peroxide), lithium metaborate fusion with and without previous sample ashing as well as direct sampling by laser ablation (LA) have been tested. Examples of spectral interferences are given and different correction procedures are discussed. Detection limits in the low ng g(-1) range were obtained for most of the elements investigated by using high-purity reagents and by taking special care to prevent sample contamination during preparation. The precision was assessed from replicate analysis (including sample preparation) of coal samples and was found to be, as average values far all elements, 4-5% RSD and 10-15% RSD for procedures including sample digestion and LA sampling, respectively. The accuracy of the overall analytical procedures was estimated by analysis of certified reference materials and of a coal sample obtained from the Interlab Trace round robin test. Among the dissolution mixtures tested, the combination of nitric and hydrofluoric acids with hydrogen peroxide provide the best agreement with certified, recommended, literature-compiled or consensus values, though fusion is necessary to obtain quantitative recoveries for Si, Cr, Hf, W, Zr, Y. In general, results obtained by LA fall within +/-20% of those obtained after digestion.     

Depth profile characterization of Zn-TiO2 nanocomposite films by pulsed radiofrequency glow discharge-optical emission spectrometry

In recent years particular effort is being devoted towards the development of radiofrequency (rf) pulsed glow discharges (GDs) coupled to optical emission spectrometry (OES) for depth profile analysis of materials with technological interest. In this work, pulsed rf-GD-OES is investigated for the fast and sensitive depth characterization of Zn-TiO₂ nanocomposite films deposited on conductive substrates (Ti and steel). The first part of this work focuses on assessing the advantages of pulsed GDs, in comparison with the continuous GD, in terms of analytical emission intensities and emission yields. Next, the capability of pulsed rf-GD-OES for determination of thickness and compositional depth profiles is demonstrated by resorting to a simple multi-matrix calibration procedure. A rf forward power of 75 W, a pressure of 600 Pa, 10 kHz pulse frequency and 50% duty cycle were selected as GD operation parameters.Quantitative depth profiles obtained with the GD proposed methodology for Zn-TiO₂ nanocomposite films, prepared by the occlusion electrodeposition method using pulsed reverse current electrolysis, have proved to be in good agreement with results achieved by complementary techniques, including scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The work carried out demonstrates that pulsed rf-GD-OES is a promising tool for the fast analytical characterization of nanocomposite films.     

Quantification of bromine in flame-retardant coatings by radiofrequency glow discharge–optical emission spectrometry

There is an increasing concern regarding the toxicity and environmental distribution and impact of brominated organic compounds employed as flame retardants. Thus, present interest in searching for new analytical techniques and methods allowing a rapid, simple and reliable detection of those compounds in materials and wastes potentially containing such flame retardants is not surprising. The feasibility of using radiofrequency glow discharge plasma spectrometry coupled with optical emission spectrometry (rf-GD-OES) as a rapid and simple tool to directly analyse bromine-containing flame-retardant polymeric layers is investigated here. Polymeric layers for calibration were made by mixing appropriate amounts of tetrabromobisphenol A, bisphenol A, phloroglucinol and diphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate in tetrahydrofuran. The corresponding blanks (polymers without tetrabromobisphenol A) were also prepared. Detection of bromine was investigated both in the visible (at 470.48 nm) and in the near-infrared (at 827.24 nm) regions, using a charge-coupled device for detection. Discharge parameters affecting the emission intensity of bromine were first optimized (in argon and helium as possible plasma gases) and the analytical performance characteristics were then evaluated. The best detection limit (0.044% Br) was achieved measuring Br I 827.24 nm in a He discharge, using a forward power of 70 W and a pressure of 45 Torr. The linearity range extended up to 27% Br. Finally, the applicability of the rf-GD-OES method proposed to the quantitative analysis of bromine in solid materials coated with flame-retardant commercial paints was successfully demonstrated. Figure Flame Retardants     

Radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy: a new weapon in the depth profiling arsenal

While the array of analytical methods routinely applied for depth profile analysis was fairly static over the decades of the 1980s and 1990s, there appears to be an emerging technique that has a number of very positive and complementary attributes, and warrants serious consideration by the thin film community. Radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (rf-GD-OES) is a technique that provides depth-resolved elemental composition information on a wide variety of sample types. In a manner very much like most depth profiling methods, the rf-GD plasma utilizes an ion sputtering step to ablate sample material in a layer-by-layer fashion. Different from the more commonly applied methods, the device operates at elevated pressures [2-10 Torr Ar (266-1,330 Pa)] and has the inherent capability of sputtering electrically insulating materials directly, without any auxiliary means of charge compensation. In addition, sputtering rates on the order of 1 micro m/min provide rapid analysis, with depth resolving powers that are comparable to high-vacuum sputtering methods. Three examples of the use of the rf-GD-OES method are presented as examples of its analytical potential: (1) boron-implanted silicon wafer, (2) a barrier-type alumina film, and (3) a porous-type alumina film. It is believed that the method holds a great deal of promise as part of the arsenal of weapons in the thin films laboratory.     

Direct analysis of glass powder samples by radio frequency glow discharge atomic emission spectrometry (rf-GD-AES)

A method is described for the elemental analysis of glass powder samples by rf-GD-AES. Glass powder samples were pressed without binder to form sample disks. A brass sample holder was designed to hold the pellet onto the source and provide a good vacuum seal. Sample preparation conditions and particle sizes are shown to influence spectral characteristics and plasma stabilization times. The discharge operating parameters were optimized based on both raw analyte signal intensity (S) and signal-to-background ratio (S/B), the latter was found more useful in terms of sample-to-sample precision and quantification. A NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM 89 Lead-Barium Glass) was used to evaluate the method. The limits of detection for trace components ranged from 1–10 g/g for several elements, depending on the concentrations of the analytes in the SRM. Sample-to-sample reproducibilities were better than 10% RSD and linear calibration curves were obtained using either the Si (I) optical emission as an internal standard or the individual analyte's S/B characteristics.     

The effect of glow discharge sputtering on the analysis of metal oxide films

The potential of radiofrequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (rf-GD-OES) for the quantification and the solid-state speciation of metal oxide films has been investigated in this work. Two types of oxide coatings, an iron oxide film deposited on silicon and a chromate conversion coating (CCC), were studied at 700 Pa of pressure and 30 W of forward power. The metal to oxygen ratios in the quantitative depth profiles (Fe/O and Cr/O, respectively) were used to evaluate the oxidation states of iron and chromium in the oxide films, demonstrating the capability of GD-OES technique for depth-resolved solid-state speciation. Furthermore, the effect of glow discharge sputtering on the samples surface in terms of modifications in the surface morphology and species transformations, were investigated by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The iron and chromium oxidation states were carefully studied by XPS at the original samples surface and at the bottom of GD craters, and a systematic reduction of metal elements was observed after rf-GD-OES analysis. In the case of thin oxide films, preferential sputtering can be considered as a critical factor since oxygen atoms can be preferentially sputtered, leaving a metal-enriched surface and, therefore, promoting the reduction of metal elements. In the present study preferential sputtering was found to be sample dependent, changing the proportion of the metal reduction in the oxide film with its composition. Additionally, alternative sputter-depth-profiling techniques such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), femtosecond laser ablation (fs-LA), and XPS ion gun were used for the analysis of the CCC in order to evaluate the reduction of Cr⁶⁺ to Cr³⁺ depending on the sputtering mechanism.     

X-ray fluorescence determination of total sulfur in fly ash

Standard addition, double dilution and standard calibration were used for x-ray fluorescence (XRF) determinations of sulfur in fly ashes. Samples were analysed as pellets prepared by mixing with acrylate copolymer or with microcrystalline cellulose (in the case of the double dilution method). Lithium sulfate was used for the standard addition method and also as standard with known sulfur content for the double dilution method. Fly ashes analysed by optical emission spectrometry with an inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES) were used as standards for the standard calibration XRF method. Sulfur was determined in the range of ca. 10^–1–10⁰ % S. For the fly ashes from the North-Bohemian brown coals, the differences between the XRF determinations and the ICP-OES determinations ranged from ca. 1.4 to 10% rel. and precision (repeatability) was better than 10% (RSD). The standard calibration method is suitable for routine analyses of real samples of similar nature. The methods of standard addition and double dilution are rather laborious in sample preparation compared with the standard calibration. Received: 27 October 1998 / Revised: 5 March 1999 / Accepted: 11 March 1999     

XPS analysis of bio‐organic systems

A survey of the literature is made for the XPS analysis of food products (mainly spray‐dried powders, which reveal a considerable surface enrichment in lipids) and of microorganisms and related systems (extracellular polymer substances and biofilms). This survey is used as a background for discussions and recommendations regarding methodology. Sample preparation methods reviewed are freeze drying, analysis of frozen hydrated specimens and adsorption of surface‐active biocompounds on model substrates. Peak decomposition is a way to increase the wealth of information provided by the XPS spectra. It should be performed after a check that sample charge stabilization is satisfactory. Moreover, ensuring the precision needed to make comparisons within sets of samples may involve a trade‐off between imposing constraints and generating information. The examination of correlations between spectral data in the light of chemical guidelines is useful to validate or improve peak decomposition and component assignment, and may also upgrade the chemical information regarding speciation. Further upgrading may be achieved by expressing marker XPS data in terms of concentrations of compounds of interest. Different methods of computation are discussed, providing a composition in terms of ingredients, classes of biochemical compounds, or various organic and inorganic compounds. As an alternative or complement to this deterministic approach, multivariate analysis of suitable spectral windows provides spectral components, which may be used for comparing samples, and which may have a direct chemical relevance or be used to identify features of interest. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Radio frequency glow discharge source with integrated voltage and current probes used for sputtering rate and emission yield measurements at insulating samples

Radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (RF-GD-OES) is routinely used for the chemical analysis of solid samples. Two independent electrical signals from the discharge are required for quantification. When sputtering insulating samples, the voltage over the discharge is not directly measurable. The coupling capacity of the sample is required in order to calculate the discharge voltage. A procedure is outlined where the coupling capacity is determined using an electrical measurement without discharge. The calculated time-dependent discharge voltage and current are evaluated using a plasma equivalent circuit. An insulating sample is sputtered at constant cathode voltage and current. The emission yield for an aluminium line is comparable to that of conducting reference material.     

Electron microprobe analysis of micro amount powder samples: A case study on high purity coal

For the major, minor and trace element analysis of the inorganic compounds of a Ruhr-Saar coal different preparation techniques are investigated with X-ray fluorescence analysis, electron microprobe and classical wet chemical methods minimizing sample weight at standard preparation times and analytical accuracies. Considering accuracy as well as preparation efforts, determinations by electron microprobe on small sample amounts (<50 mg) proved to be superior to the other methods.Abbreviations AAS atomic absorbtion spectrometry - EMA electron microprobe analysis - IC ion chromatography - ISE ion sensitive electrode - PHOT photometry - WCA wet chemical analysis - XRF X-ray fluorescence analysis - LTA low temperature plasma ashing - HTA high temperature ashing - l.o.i. loss on ignition     

Determination of refractory elements in used lubricating oil by ICPOES employing emulsified sample introduction and calibration with inorganic standards.

The quantification of trace elements in used lubricating oil is useful for evaluating the wearing of specific components of engines. In the present work, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES) was used for determining five refractory elements (Ni, Mo, Cr, V and Ti) in lubricating-oil samples. The methodology was developed while aiming at the introduction of such organic samples into the ICP as emulsions. Several nebulization systems were tested with clear advantage for Meinhard K3 coupled with a cyclonic spray chamber. The carbon deposition on the injector tip as well as the plasma background was minimized through careful optimization of the Ar and O2 gas mixture flows into the plasma. The optimization of instrumental and experimental parameters allowed quantification using calibration curves prepared with analyte inorganic standards. An internal standard (Sc) was used to correct the matrix effects and signal fluctuations. The limits of detection (3Sb/m), in the ng g(-1) range were obtained for all five elements. The methodology was validated through an analysis of standard reference materials (SRM 1084a, 1085a and 1085b). Good analyte recoveries (from 92.6 to 104.7%) were achieved. Comparison studies against established ICPOES methodologies (sample acid decomposition or sample direct dilution in an organic solvent) have shown that the proposed methodology present clear advantages in terms of simplicity of sample preparation, overall analysis time, and the use of inorganic standards for calibration instead of expensive metallorganic standards.     

Hydrogen effects on copper,zinc and nickel atomic emission lines in argon radiofrequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometry

The effect of hydrogen (0.5%, 1% and 10% v/v) added to the argon plasma gas on the emission spectra of selected atomic lines for copper, zinc and nickel has been studied by radiofrequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (rf-GD-OES). Conductive homogeneous samples containing different concentrations of the elements under study in different matrices have been investigated. Results show different trends of the emission intensity lines with increasing hydrogen concentration in the rf-GD, depending on the line characteristics. In most cases, the emission yields of the lines under study did not change or increased when hydrogen was added to the discharge (no decreases were observed). The emission yields of certain lines showed much higher increases than other lines of the same element (for example, lines 213.86 nm of Zn and 231.10 nm of Ni). Our experiments indicate that such notorious increases could be related with the possible decrease of the self-absorption when hydrogen is added to the discharge. Overall, the results obtained for the emission yield changes of certain lines of a given element in different matrices (with different analyte content) showed that while for resonance emission lines very notorious increases are observed, the values for non-resonance lines do not change significantly (specially if the matrices employed are similar).     

Stabilization of the spark-discharge point on a sample surface by laser irradiation for steel analysis.

A combined technique with laser irradiation is suggested to control spark discharge for analytical use, having a unique feature that firing points of the spark discharge can be fixed by laser irradiation. Because the spark discharge easily initiates at particular surface sites, such as non-metallic inclusions, called selective discharge, the concentration of some elements sometimes deviates from their average one in spark discharge optical emission spectrometry. Therefore, stabilization of firing points on a sample surface could improve the analytical precision.     

Determination of inorganic beryllium species in the particulate matter of emissions and working areas

A sequential extraction procedure for separating and determining Be(0), soluble Be(II) inorganic compounds, BeO and beryllium silicates in samples such as particulate matter of emissions and working areas, has been developed. The proposed procedure has been tested on synthetic samples prepared with the inorganic beryllium compounds, in the presence of atmospherical particulate matter sampled in a laboratory of the Department, previously checked for the absence of beryllium. The speciation was then repeated on a sample of fly ash deriving from a solid waste incinerator and on a reference material (Coal Fly ash SRM 1633a, by NIST), followed by an evaluation of matrix spiking and recovery analyses. Performing multiple analyses of the spiked samples assessed the repeatability of the procedure. Quantitative determinations have been made by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The possible interferences of the most common ions have been investigated. The selective sequential extractions allow one to separate and to determine different inorganic beryllium species, to which a different toxicity and therefore, a different risk are related: it is the case for example of metallic beryllium and beryllium oxide.     

Determination of boron,beryllium and lithium in coal ash and geological materials by spark optical emission spectrometry

A method is described for the accurate and precise determination of boron, beryllium and lithium in coal ash and geological materials by a point-to-plane high-voltage spark optical emission spectrometric technique. A 200-mg sample is crushed and blended with graphite, copper oxide internal standard and cellulose powders, and briquetted. Synthetic calibration standards are prepared from spectrographically pure materials blended into graphite. Corrections are made for spectral interference by iron and silicon on boron. Accurate results are presented for certified reference materials. The precision of the method, about 5%, is superior to that obtained by d.c. arc optical emission.     

含V和Ni灰高温流动性的调控研究

以三种含V和Ni灰为研究对象,探索通过添加助剂和配煤两种途径来调控含V和Ni灰的流动性,利用XRD、SEMEDX和三元相图等分析方法,探究了两种方法调控含V和Ni灰流动性的机理。结果表明,灰中V和Ni在高温下形成难熔物钒氧矿和单质镍,配煤和添加CaO降低了V和Ni的含量,同时可降低除V和Ni以外灰组成的液相温度,进而降低灰的熔融温度。当灰中V和Ni的总含量低于30%时,配入助熔剂CaO可明显降低灰的熔融温度,但其黏温曲线转变为结晶渣类型。当灰中V和Ni含量高于30%时,需通过配入低熔点煤灰降低熔融温度,在满足气流床排渣要求的煤灰中配入5%的该灰后,其黏温特性仍满足气流床液态排渣的要求,但配比达到10%时,降温过程中析出大量的富钒尖晶石,使灰渣黏温曲线转变为结晶渣类型,其不再适合气流床液态排渣的要求。     

Comparative investigation on copper oxides by depth profiling using XPS, RBS and GDOES

Depth profiling has been performed by using X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) in combination with Ar-ion sputtering, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES). The data obtained by XPS have been subjected to factor analysis in order to determine the compositional layering of the copper oxides. This leads to two or three relevant components within the oxide layers consisting of Cu₂O or CuO dependent on the sample preparation. GDOES measurements show sputtering profiles which are seriously influenced by a varying sputter rate. To ensure the results obtained so far, RBS measurements of the oxide layers have been carried out in order to discover artefacts of the other methods used and to demonstrate the excellent suitability of RBS for quantitative analysis of these layers. Chemical analysis consisting of (1) carrier-gas fusion analysis (CGFA) and (2) selective dissolution of Cu₂O/CuO allows the determination of the total amount of oxygen and copper, respectively, and can serve as a cornerstone of quantitative analysis.     

A simple and rapid method for determination of boron in fast breeder reactor components

The present paper describes a new analytical method developed for direct determination of boron in steels using radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometer. “Single parameter alternative method” technique has been used to optimize the various experimental conditions of glow discharge plasma such as forward power, gas pressure inside plasma chamber, pre-integration time, and integration time. Different emission lines for boron were studied and inter element interference effect is also discussed in the paper. A complete statistical analysis has been done to validate the developed method. A RSD of less than ±5% is achieved for boron in the range of 0.0010–0.020% in Steels using this method.     

Comparative investigation on copper oxides by depth profiling using XPS,RBS and GDOES

Depth profiling has been performed by using X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) in combination with Ar-ion sputtering, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES). The data obtained by XPS have been subjected to factor analysis in order to determine the compositional layering of the copper oxides. This leads to two or three relevant components within the oxide layers consisting of Cu(2)O or CuO dependent on the sample preparation. GDOES measurements show sputtering profiles which are seriously influenced by a varying sputter rate. To ensure the results obtained so far, RBS measurements of the oxide layers have been carried out in order to discover artefacts of the other methods used and to demonstrate the excellent suitability of RBS for quantitative analysis of these layers. Chemical analysis consisting of (1) carrier-gas fusion analysis (CGFA) and (2) selective dissolution of Cu(2)O/CuO allows the determination of the total amount of oxygen and copper, respectively, and can serve as a cornerstone of quantitative analysis.     

Sliding spark spectroscopy — a new excitation source for generating atomic emission spectra for analysis

In this paper a newly developed technique, the so-called “Sliding Spark Spectrometry” is described. The method, with a comparatively simple system, allows direct in-situ analysis of handy, compact non-conductive material without prior sample preparation. A new excitation source for optical emission spectroscopy has been developed. The basic principle of the method is the thermal vaporization, ionization and excitation of a small amount of surface substrate using a train of high-current sliding sparks. The material components in the spark plasma are activated to emit radiation. From the atomic spectrum, informations about the composition and the element concentration in the sample can be obtained. With the use of the sliding spark spectrometer, a rapid analysis, especially of chlorine containing waste plastics and their inorganic additives can be carried out.