Reduction of matrix interferences and improvement of detection power in flame AAS by a high-performance flow/hydraulic high-pressure nebulization system for sample introduction (HPF/HHPN)

Summary For analysis of highly concentrated salt solutions, the samples are injected into a high-performance carrier stream and transported to a special high-pressure nebulization nozzle (max. pressure: 400 bar/40 MPa). An aerosol of very small droplets is formed only by the high fluid pressure without using nebulization gas. The nozzle replaces the pneumatic nebulizer (high-performance flow/hydraulic high-pressure nebulization system: HPF/HHPN). In comparison with pneumatic nebulization, matrix interferences are significantly reduced and sensitivity is improved by factors of 2 to 8 (depending on the element and matrix to be analyzed). For the determination of 10 elements in the matrices Al (30 g/l), Fe (150 g/l) and Cu (330 g/l), the element-specific improvement of the detection power by a factor of 4.1 to 9.7 for Al, 1.3 to 4.9 for Fe and 1.3 to 10 for Cu is achieved.