Accuracy and long-term reproducibility of lead isotopic measurements by multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using an external method for correction of mass discrimination

The precision of isotopic measurements of Pb by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) is limited by the fact that this element does not possess an invariant isotope ratio that can be used for the correction of mass fractionation by internal normalization. Multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) can overcome this limitation, because with plasma ionization, elements with overlapping mass ranges are thought to display identical mass discrimination. With respect to Pb, this can be exploited by the addition of Tl to the sample solutions; the mass discrimination factor obtained for Tl can then be used for the correction of the measured Pb isotope ratios. In this article we present the results of a detailed study that investigates the accuracy and precision of such an external correction technique for mass discrimination based upon the results of multiple analyses of a mixed standard solution of NIST SRM-981 Pb and SRM-997 Tl. Our data indicate that normalization of the Pb isotope ratios to the certified isotopic composition of SRM-997 Tl produces Pb isotopic results that are significantly lower than recently published reference values by TIMS. This systematic offset can be eliminated by renormalization of the Pb data to a different Tl isotopic composition to obtain an empirically determined mass discrimination factor for Pb that generates accurate results. It is furthermore shown that a linear law is least suited for the correction of mass discrimination, whereas a power or exponential law function provide significantly more accurate and precise results. In detail, it appears that a power law may provide the most appropriate correction procedure, because the corrected Pb isotope ratios display less residual correlations with mass discrimination compared to the exponentially corrected data. Using an exponential or power law correction our results, obtained over a period of over seven months, display a precision (2σ) of better than 60 parts per million (ppm) for ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb and of better than 350 ppm for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb. This represents a significant improvement compared to conventional TIMS techniques and demonstrates the potential of MC-ICPMS for routine, high-precision measurements of Pb isotopic compositions.     

Multiphoton-Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (MUPI-MS) [New Analytical Methods (34)]

Mass spectrometry is one of the most important analytical tools in chemistry, biology, medicine and related areas. During the past 30 years, methods have been developed, both for the qualitative as well as the quantitative analysis of a wide variety of substances. The introduction of lasers into chemistry has also profited mass spectrometry, since its nonlinear properties and its tunability open up fundamentally new frontiers. Multiphoton ionization mass spectrometry combines UV-spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, thus providing a two-dimensional method that enables substance-specific and even state-specific analyses. This progress report presents the fundamentals and possibilities of MUPI mass spectrometry and discusses investigations on amino acids, peptides, chlorophylls and sugars. For each substance, multiphoton ionization can be tuned in such a way that only the molecular ion is formed. An increase of laser intensity induces substance-specific fragmentations of the molecule, thus contributing to a quick and easy identification of the substance.     

The optimal amount of isotopic spike solution for ultratrace analysis by isotope dilution mass spectrometry

 Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) are powerful methods of determining metallic impurities in the low- and sub-ppt level in process media such as ultra-pure water used in semiconductor and wafer manufacturing. By using mass spectrometers for analysis, an isotope dilution analysis (IDMS) is possible. The reproducibility of an IDMS is unmatched. For concentration levels near the instrument detection limit a novel method is reported to find the optimal amount of isotopic spike solution. This optimal value can be derived by the law of propagation of uncertainty combined with the Poisson statistics of the measured number of counts. Generally, an excess of isotopic spike solution should be used to provide results of lowest possible uncertainty. The results are presented in a diagram for easy practical use. Received: 14 October 1997 · Accepted: 13 February 1998     

Photobioelectronic studies with thylakoid membranes

The research described in this paper presents a method for chemically modifying the surface of plant photosynthetic membranes in such a way that electrical contact can be made. Colloidal platinum was prepared, precipitated directly onto thylakoid membranes from aqueous solution, and entrapped on fiberglass filter paper. This composition of matter was capable of sustained simultaneous photoevolution of hydrogen and oxygen when irradiated at any wavelength (400–700 nm) in the chlorophyll absorption spectrum. Experimental data support the interpretation that part of the platinum metal catalyst is precipitated adjacent to the photosystem-I reduction site of photosynthesis and that electron transfer occurs across the interface between photosystem I and the catalyst. When contacted with metal electrodes, the thylakoid-platinum combination was capable of generating a sustained flow of current through an external load resistor. Procedures for preparing this material and experimental data on its catalytic and electronic properties are presented. Also presented is an analysis of the flow of photocurrent in terms of the interfacial electron transfer reactions that occur at the interfaces of the components of the assembly.     

Selenomethionine contents of NIST wheat reference materials

Values of the total selenium and selenomethionine (Semet) content of four wheat-based reference materials have been obtained by gas chromatography-stable isotope dilution mass spectrometry methods. The total Se method is an established one, and the results obtained with it are consistent with previously-assigned values. The Semet method (previously reported by our laboratory) is based on reaction with CNBr. Our data indicate that the four wheat samples (wheat gluten, durum wheat, hard red spring wheat, and soft winter wheat), though having a 30-fold range in total Se content, all have about 45% of their total Se values in the form of selenomethionine. Investigation of the CNBr-based method suggests that additional experiments are needed to verify that all selenomethionine in the wheat samples is accounted for, but also indicates that the values obtained are within 15% of the true values. As the form in which Se occurs in foods and dietary supplements is important from a nutritional perspective, adding information about Se speciation to total Se values in appropriate reference materials makes these materials more valuable in relevant analytical work.     

毛细管电泳质谱联用技术及其应用

本文介绍了用于毛细管电泳质谱联用仪器的多种接口技术，描述了ＣＺＥ，ＣＩＥＦ，ＣＧＥ，ＭＥＫＣ和ＣＩＴＰ等毛细管电泳技术和四极质谱，离子阱质谱，傅 叶变换离子回旋共振质谱，飞行时间质谱，磁质谱，解吸质谱等联用的现状及发展前景，对近年来ＣＥ－ＭＳ在酶解产物。蛋白质和肽，核苷酸，药物及代谢产物等领域中的应用作了详细述评。     

New Method to Calculate Thermodynamic and Transport Properties of a Multi-Temperature Plasma: Application to N2 Plasma

Multi-temperature thermal plasmas have often to be considered to account for the nonequilibrium effects. Recently André et al. have developed the calculation of concentrations in a multi-temperature plasma by artificially separating the partition functions into a product by assuming that the excitation energies are those of the lower levels (electronic, vibration, and rotation). However, at equilibrium, differences, increasing with temperature, can be observed between partition functions calculated rigorously and with their method. This paper presents a modified method where it has been assumed that the preponderant rotational energy is that of the vibrational level v=0 of the ground electronic state and the preponderant vibrational energy is that of the ground electronic state. The internal partition function can then be expressed as a product of series expressions. At equilibrium for N ₂ and N ₂ ⁺ partition functions the values calculated with our method differ by less than 0.1% from those calculated rigorously. The calculation has been limited to three temperatures: heavy species T_h , electrons T_e , and vibrational T _v temperatures. The plasma composition has been calculated by minimizing the Gibbs free enthalpy with the steepest descent numerical technique. The nonequilibrium properties have been calculated using the method of Devoto, modified by Bonnefoi and Aubreton. The ratio =T_e/T_h was varied between 1 and 2 as well as the ratio _v =T _v /T _h for a nitrogen plasma. At equilibrium the corresponding equilibrium transport properties of Ar and N ₂ are in good agreement with those of Devoto and Murphy except for T>10,000 K where we used a different interaction potential for N–N ⁺ . The effects of _v and _e on thermodynamic and transport properties of N ₂ are then discussed.     

Two-Temperature Transport Coefficients in Argon–Hydrogen Plasmas—I: Elastic Processes and Collision Integrals

The calculation of two-temperature transport coefficients in an argon–hydrogen plasma at atmospheric pressure is performed using a new theory of two-temperature transport properties recently presented. The latter takes into account the coupling between electrons and heavy species, coupling neglected in the already existing theories of Devoto and Bonnefoi. Transport coefficients are calculated at two-temperatures, the kinetic temperature of electrons T_e being different from that of heavy species T_h. This paper is divided into two parts. The first one is related to elastic processes and its aim is to compare the results obtained with this new theory for viscosity , translational thermal conductivities ^tr _e and ^tr _h and electrical conductivity with the previous results of Bonnefoi. The composition is calculated with the modified equilibrium constant of van de Sanden et al. and the most recent interaction potential are discussed. As it could be expected the electron translational thermal conductivity and the electrical conductivity calculated when taking into account or not the coupling between electrons and heavy species show non-negligible discrepancies. Besides this comparison, the results also show the drastic influence of the non-equilibrium parameter =T_e/T_h on the values of , , ^tr _e, and ^tr _h.     

Strained Structure in Ho0.5Sr0.5MnO3

The Ho_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ perovskite, synthesized in air, has been studied by combining neutron powder and electron diffraction techniques. The Pnma-type structure exhibits a strong tilting of the MnO₆ octahedra. This octahedra tilting and microtwinning involve a complex strained structure. No structural transition is observed down to 1.4 K, but short-range A-type antiferromagnetism running over only a few perovskite subcells is evidenced below ≈90 K. The different behavior of this perovskite compared to other Ln_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ perovskites is discussed in terms of A-site cationic mismatch.     

有机金属络合物用于高分子富氧膜的研究进展

本文介绍了能够可逆吸附分子氧的有机金属络合物用于高分子富氧膜的研究进展，以及以双重吸附理论进行的膜的促进输送机理。