Application of plasma gas modulation technique for improvement of the measurement of Mn emission intensity in ICP-AES

A phase-sensitive detection technique associated with a digital lock-in amplifier was applied for an improvement of the detection in ICP-AES. The lock-in amplifier works as an extremely narrow band pass filter. It can pick up the modulated signal, which has the same frequency as the reference signal, from any noise and thus it can improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Modulation of the ICP can be performed by mixing small amounts of air to argon as the outer gas cyclically, because the emission intensities of ionic lines are enhanced by using the mixed gas. An electromagnetic valve, which is placed in the outer-gas flow path, causes periodic variation in the air gas in the outer-gas flow, and thus switching the valve on/off can modulate the ICP. By choosing the appropriate conditions, the addition of air gas enhances the emission intensity of ionic lines more than that of the background, thus leading to improved signal-to-background ratios. At the same time the lock-in amplifier further enhances the ionic emissions because it picks up only the modulated part of the signal. By applying the plasma gas flow modulation technique the detection and the determination limits of the Mn II 257.610 nm line are improved in comparison with the conventional method. A change in plasma shape corresponding to the modulation frequency is observed when the ICP is modulated.     

Application of tandem calibration for the direct analysis of copper by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES)

A procedure has been proposed for the direct ICP-AES analysis of solid copper samples using spark sampling. Calibration curves have been obtained using multi-element reference solutions of analytes (MES). The internal standards are spectral lines of copper with the energy parameters (excitation and ionization potentials) similar to those of analytes. Standard Reference Material (SRM) of copper have been used for the estimation of performance characteristics. The absence of significant differences between the found and certified concentrations of analytes has been shown. The developed procedure of ICP-AES analysis of solid copper samples with spark sampling and calibration using MES provides the determination of up to 14 elements: Ag, As, Au, Cd, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Pt, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, and Zn in the concentration range from n × 10^?3 to n × 10^?1 wt %.     

Automated standardization technique for an inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometer

The manifold assembly subsystem described permits real-time computer-controlled standardization and quality control of a commercial inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. The manifold assembly consists of a branch-structured glass manifold, a series of microcomputer-controlled solenoid valves, and a reservoir for each standard. Automated standardization involves selective actuation of each solenoid valve that permits a specific mixed standard solution to be pumped to the nebulizer of the spectrometer. Quality control is based on the evaluation of results obtained for a mixed standard containing 17 analytes, that is measured periodically with unknown samples. An inaccurate standard evaluation triggers restandardization of the instrument according to a predetermined protocol. Interaction of the computer-controlled manifold assembly hardware with the spectrometer system is outlined. Evaluation of the automated standardization system with respect to reliability, simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency is compared to the manual procedure.     

Spatial and intensity modulation of nanowire emission induced by mobile charges

Single-molecule optical experiments carried out in conjunction with externally applied electric fields show deliberate spatial and intensity control over CdSe nanowire (NW) emission. In particular, by applying external fields to electrically isolated (single) NWs, their emission can be localized in areas of the wire closest to the positive electrode. In a few cases, the resulting emission intensity increases over the corresponding zero-field value by nearly an order of magnitude. More often than not, factors of 2-3 are seen. Reversing the field polarity causes the emission to localize in opposite regions of the wire. Emission from individual NWs can therefore be modulated. Complementary ac electric field measurements show that the effect persists up to 500 kHz. To explain the phenomenon, the effective passivation of surface trap states by mobile carriers is speculated. This, in turn, causes local changes in the NW emission quantum yield (QY). To verify the presence of such mobile charges, both ensemble and single NW bundle electrophoresis experiments are conducted. By investigating subsequent NW rotational and translational dynamics, an estimate for the number of mobile carriers is determined. A lower limit (best case) linear charge density of approximately 0.45-1.2 mobile electrons per micrometer of the wire is obtained. Apart from self-consistently explaining the field-induced NW emission modulation, the resulting data and subsequent analysis also suggests that the same mobile carriers may be the root cause of NW emission intermittency. Furthermore, given the ubiquity of stray charges, the resulting hypothesis may have additional applicability toward explaining blinking in other systems, a problem of current interest especially within the context of colloidal QDs.     

Bias-current modulation technique of a radio-frequency glow discharge plasma for atomic emission analysis associated with a fast Fourier transform analyzer

A measuring method using a fast Fourier transform (FFT) analyzer is suggested to estimate the emission intensity from a radio-frequency (RF)-powered glow discharge plasma for atomic emission analysis. The FFT analyzer has an ability to disperse the components by frequency from an overall signal, and thus works as a selective detector in modulation spectroscopy. In the RF glow discharge plasma, a dc bias current can be introduced by connecting an external electric circuit with the discharge lamp, which predominantly enhances the emission intensities. Further, the bias current can be pulsated with a switching device to modulate the emission intensities, and then the modulated component was selectively detected with the FFT analyzer. This method greatly improved the data precision. The emission intensity of the Cu I 324.75-nm line in an Fe-based alloy sample containing 0.043 mass% Cu could be estimated with a relative standard deviation of 0.20%. The 3σ detection limits of Cu in Fe-based alloys could be obtained to be 2.3 × 10^− 6 mass% Cu for Cu I 324.75 nm and 6.8 × 10^− 6 mass% Cu for Cu I 327.40 nm.     

Application of a rapid scanning plasma emission detector and gas chromatography for multi-element quantification of halogenated hydrocarbons

A microwave induced plasma emission detector is used as an element-selective detector for gas chromatography. The spectrometer, which is fitted with a rapid scanning galvanometer mirror, is used to scan a pre-selected spectral window to provide information in the multi-element mode. This information is used to determine the per mole response of some elements as a function of molecular structure. Despite the low microwave powers employed, the response per mole appears to be independent of the molecular structure. Detection limits and linear dynamic ranges are determined by narrowing the spectral coverage to increase the sensitivity. Calibration curves are linear over several orders of magnitude and detection limits are at the pg/sec levels.     

A new technique for the measurement of multicomponent gas transport through polymeric films

An apparatus to measure mixed gas permeation through polymer films is described. The system, based on a combination of manometric and gas chromatography techniques, allows straightforward determination of film permeabilities and selectivities over a wide range of feed pressures and compositions. This approach eliminates the need to use a downstream sweep gas and can be implemented by simple modification of pure gas permeation cells. Pure and mixed gas permeation data in polycarhonate films are reported for carbon dioxide and methane to illustrate the use of the equipment. The deviations between the pure and mixed gas results tend to be small and can he explained in terms of current theories of gas transport in glassy polymers.     

Emission intensity modulation of radio-frequency helium glow-discharge emission source by laser ablation.

A novel emission excitation source comprising a high repetition rate diode-pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and a Grimm-style glow-discharge lamp is described. Laser-ablated atoms are introduced into the He glow discharge plasma, which then give emission signals. By using phase-sensitive detection with a lock-in amplifier, the emission signal modulated by the pulsed laser can be detected selectively. It is possible to estimate only the emission intensity of sample atoms ablated by laser irradiation with little interference from the other species in the plasma.     

电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法(ICP-AES)测定无定形硼粉中的镁元素

提出了使用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法(ICP-AES)测定无定形硼粉中Mg元素的分析方法。采用硝酸、盐酸溶解样品,用硝酸和盐酸的混合酸作为测定介质,在选定的仪器条件下直接测定。Mg元素的测定检出限为0.0044μg/mL,相对标准偏差(RSD,n=6)为0.49％～0.60％,样品加标回收率在94.0％～102.0％之间。经对比试验证明,本方法测定值与美国军用标准重量法测定值一致。     

Development of a certified reference material of nitrous oxide in nitrogen for emission gas measurement

A reference gas mixture of nitrous oxide (N₂O) in nitrogen, filled in a 10-L high-pressure aluminum alloy gas cylinder, has been developed as a certified reference material for emission measurement of exhaust gases from automobiles. As an example of certified values, mole fraction of N₂O is 302.36 μmol/mol. An electronic mass comparator with a home-made automatic cylinder exchanger, gas-filling equipment, and a gas chromatograph with a thermal conductivity detector have been used for the production of this CRM. The gas chromatographic analysis has of sufficient precision. The mole fraction of N₂O has good long-term stability for 10 years and is independent of inner pressure in the gas cylinder. As these results, a relative expanded uncertainty (coverage factor is 2) of the certified value has become 0.28 %. This sufficiently small uncertainty of the N₂O mole fraction will be advantageous in the calibration of analytical instruments for emission gas analysis.     

Reduction of spectral interferences in inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry by selective spectral-line modulation

Spectral interferences in inductively-coupled plasma (i.c.p.) emission spectrometry can be significantly reduced through the use of selective spectral-line modulation. In this method, a mirrored, rotating chopper directs the emission from an i.e.p. alternately through and past a flame; selective modulation is achieved when the flame contains absorbing atoms identical to emitting atoms in the i.c.p. The ability of selective spectral-line modulation to minimize broadband, narrow line, and scattered light spectral interferences is demonstrated. Signal-to-background ratios for detection with spectral-line modulation are shown to be higher than those obtained by conventional detection. The effect of modulating conditions on working curve slope and linearity is discussed and the limitations of the proposed method are critically evaluated.     

Application of the 2f-wavelength modulation technique for the measurement of large lithium isotope ratios by diode laser graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy

The measurement of large lithium isotope ratios by diode laser graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy was investigated using a low pressure atomizer and 2f-wavelength modulation (WM) detection. The measurements were supported by computer simulations. Compared with a direct absorption measurement, the relative absorption sensitivity for ⁶Li is considerably reduced when 2f-WM is performed in the center of the ⁶Li D1 fine structure component, but it will be enhanced, when the center of modulation is tuned to the maximum in the red wing of the 2f-WM line profile. The results of calculated 2f-WM line strengths were used to deconvolute overlapping lines and enabled the measurement of ⁷Li/⁶Li isotope ratios as large as approximately 2000. The Li content of a sample with a strong sodium chloride matrix was determined by isotope dilution.     

电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱(ICP-AES)法测定再生锌中铊

铊是一种典型的危险废物,在选冶过程中,再生锌原料中的铊以氧化物或粉尘的形式排放到环境中,严重污染环境并危害人类健康。再生锌成分复杂,若样品消解不完全,直接影响测定结果的准确性。本文比较了微波消解和电热板常压消解对样品的处理效果。结果表明,微波消解法快速环保,但是对于难消解的再生锌样品,因无高氯酸的加入,其氧化性能降低,无法将样品消解完全,导致铊测定结果偏低。而采用高氯酸-硝酸-盐酸-氢氟酸构成的混合酸并于低温加盖聚四氟乙烯盖,进行电热板常压消解,能够有效地解决再生锌样品前处理难题。本实验采用四酸法消解样品,5%盐酸进行浸取,选择Tl 190.794nm为分析谱线,采用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱（ICP-AES）法测定再生锌中铊。在仪器设定的最佳测定条件下,当Tl质量浓度为0.10μg/mL~5.00μg/mL时,与发射强度线性关系良好,线性回归方程为y = 180.77x -0.46,相关系数为0.99998。干扰实验表明,在设定的共存离子干扰上限,Pb、Zn、Cu、Fe、Ca、Bi 、Sb、Sn、As、Al、Cd、Si、Ag等对再生锌中铊的测定基本无影响。按照实验方法,对5个不同铊含量水平的再生锌样品进行11次独立测定,其测定范围为ω(Tl):0.0041%~0.21%,方法检出限为0.004μg/mL,实验相对准偏差（RSD）为2.07%~3.11%,加标回收率为97.3%~107.5%。方法简单,操作性强,能够快速准确测定再生锌中铊。     

Needs for improvement of the measurement infrastructure in Europe

Whereas the concept of quality control and quality assurance is well understood by modern laboratories (either commercial or with national responsibilities) which are accredited in various analytical sectors, there is an enormous gap in the transfer of knowledge to smaller laboratories. A strong and urgent need has been highlighted for improving the measurement infrastructure in Europe, particularly in less favoured regions or countries. This article gives a summary of needs expressed in the course of five workshops funded by the Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme (European Commission) and held, respectively, in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain.     

Thermospray nebulizer as sample introduction technique for microwave plasma torch atomic emission spectrometry

A thermospray nebulizer was used as a sample introduction device for microwave plasma torch (MPT) atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Experimental parameters, including the power supplied to the MPT, the flow rates of support and carrier gases, the observation height, the sample uptake rate, the thermospray working temperature, the temperature of the aerosol spray chamber and cooling water were optimized. Under optimum conditions, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 10 measurements for 21 elements is in the range 0.3–2.0%. The detection limits were improved in comparison with the ultrasonic nebulizer as sample introduction technique for MPT–AES. The inclusion of 20% methanol into the MPT showed there is no effect on the stability of MPT discharge. The technique can thus be held to have the potential for interface to reverse-phase HPLC systems.     

Quantitative gas chromatographic measurement of glycosaminoglycan hexosamines in urine and plasma

A method is described for the quantitative determination of urine and plasma glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) by gas chromatography of the acetylated amino sugars. GAGs were first recovered by precipitation from urine with alkyltrimethylammonium bromide and from plasma by mini-column chromatography after papain digestion. Urine samples (24) analysed for total hexosamines by gas chromatography and for uronic acid by colorimetry had a correlation coefficient of 0.85. The within-run coefficient of variation (C.V.) for nineteen samples from a pooled urine was 5.2% for total hexosamines and that for the ratio of galactosamine to total hexosamines was 3.7%. The corresponding C.V. values for twelve plasma samples from a common pool were 6.5 and 3.7%. The mean ratio of galactosamine to total hexosamine in ten pre-breakfast spot urines was 51.5%. The corresponding ratio in the plasma from twenty adolescent blood donors was 76.3% and the mean total hexosamine content of the GAGs was 47.36 mumol/l.     

Study of ionic-to-atomic line intensity ratios for two axial viewing-based inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometers

Using two axially-viewed inductively coupled plasma (ICP) systems that exhibited different behaviors to matrix effects, the sensitivity of the Mg II 280.270 nm/ Mg I 285.213 nm line intensity ratio to the ICP operating conditions and to matrix effects was compared to that observed for alternative ionic-to-atomic line intensity ratios such as the Cd II 226.502 nm/Cd I 228.802 nm, Cr II 267.716 nm/Cr I 357.868 nm, Ni II 231.604 nm/Ni I 232.138 nm, Pb II 220.353 nm/Pb I 217.000 nm, and Zn II 206.200 nm/Zn I 213.857 nm ratios. Both robust and non-robust conditions were used. Some lines behaved differently, in particular the Mg I and Cr I lines, not only as a function of the matrix, but also as a function of the ICP system. The Mg II/Mg I ratio was found to remain a good compromise to follow changes in plasma conditions. The use of several ionic-to-atomic line ratios confirmed that axial viewing leads to matrix effects that are particularly sensitive for atomic lines. The effects cannot be totally suppressed, even under robust conditions, and regardless of the ICP system. An alternative to minimize matrix effects was the use of a buffer such as Cs at 10 g l⁻¹.