An ESCA investigation of the inductively coupled RF plasma polymerization of fluoronaphthalene and fluoronaphthalene/hydrogen mixtures

1-Fluoronaphthalene was plasma polymerized and its composition and structure, as a function of position, power, and temperature, were examined by ESCA. The F:C ratio of the deposited film was lower than that of the starting monomer both at room temperature and at 150°C. An asymmetry of the main C_1s photoionization peak was noted. Plasmas were also excited in fluoronaphthalene/hydrogen mixtures where extensive fluorine elimination and hydrogen incorporation occurred. This gave direct evidence that the height of step function or asymmetry of the main C_1s peak is related to the degree of saturation in the compound.     

An ESCA study of the inductively coupled RF plasma polymerisation of 2,4,6-trifluoro-1,3,5-triazine

ESCA has been used to investigate the composition and structural features of plasma-polymerized 2,4,6-trifluoro-1,3,5-triazine. Polymer formation was studied as a function of power and post-polymerisation treatment. All the polymer films revealed an intense peak at a binding energy of ～290.2 eV probably arising from groups. A high sensitivity towards hydrolysis was observed resulting in substantial loss of fluorine and increase in oxygen content of the plasma polymers.     

Analysis of nickel-niobium alloys by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was applied to the analysis of major and minor elements of Ni-Nb alloys obtained by aluminothermic reduction process. Digestion of samples was made using a mixture of HF+HNO₃. Minor and trace elements were determined without matrix separation. The precision for all constituents was <3%. Recoveries for the analyte-spiked samples were 95%.     

Determination of lead in seawater by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after separation and pre-concentration with cocrystallized naphthalene alizarin

An analytical method for separation and pre-concentration of lead in seawater for determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry has been investigated. Lead was retained in the solid phase (0.5 g) composed of co-precipitated naphthalene and alizarin red. The solid phase quantitatively sorbs Pb(II) at pH 8–9, and the metal was eluted using 5.0 ml of 2 mol l⁻¹ nitric acid. The effect of NaCl, KCl, BaCl₂, CaCl₂, Na₂SO₄, MgCl₂ and Na₃PO₄ on the sorption of Pb(II) in the solid phase was studied. A set of solutions containing varying amounts of electrolytes (0.5; 1.0; 3.0 and 5.0% m/v) with Pb (50 μg) was prepared and the recommended procedure applied. The Na₃PO₄ was found to interfere; the other electrolytes did not interfere up to 5% m/v. A pre-concentration factor of 40 was obtained in this analytical procedure. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for Pb(II) were 53 and 176 μg l⁻¹, respectively. Lead was determined in seawater samples collected in Salvador city, Bahia, Brazil. The precision, expressed as R.S.D., was 1.8–4.6%, and the recovery of lead added to seawater samples was 95–97%.     

Plasma diagnostic on a low-flow plasma for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

In order to elucidate the fundamental properties of a low-flow inductively coupled plasma (ICP) operated under total Ar consumption of 0.6 L min^− 1, excitation temperatures, rotational temperatures, ionization temperatures, electron temperatures, and electron number densities were studied with optical emission based methods. The plasma was operated in the SHIP torch (Static High Sensitivity ICP), which was designed for optical emission spectrometric detection.     

Practical implementation of survey analysis in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

The combination of an echelle/charge coupled device detector based spectrometer with software for multicomponent analysis (MCA) allows practical implementation of survey analysis in inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). MCA requires models for the pure components. A procedure is described for how to obtain the models for 67 pure elements detectable in ICP-OES. In fact, each element is represented by two model vectors. Measurements at low analyte concentration provide the sensitivities for the prominent lines used in trace analysis, whereas weak lines and continuum emission are modelled with high concentration measurements. This modelling allows proper calibration for trace and major levels, and strongly reduces noise contributions. The model library is prepared once and a monitor solution, containing seven specific elements, is used to achieve a daily link with this once-only calibration (wavelength axis and sensitivity). To control the efficiency of atomization and ionization the Cr ii 267 nm to Cr i 357 nm ratio is used. The MCA calculations are repeated at different intensity levels in order to cover the dynamic range in intensity and, hence, concentration for all the elements present in the sample solution. Matrix-matching of the monitor solution was studied in order to overcome matrix effects owing to high acid or salt contents. Some certified reference materials were analysed. The results for most elements are found within 20% of the certified values.     

Spectral diagnostics of inductively coupled RF discharge plasma

Results of UV spectral measurements in low-pressure (30–65 Pa) and atmospheric-pressure inductively coupled radiofrequency discharges at different power inputs and gas compositions typical for that of industrial processing regimes are reported. Isolated molecular bands have been observed in the spectra; by analyzing the unresolved rotational temperature of these bands, the rotational temperature of the upper emission state can be found.     

Combined effects of inorganic acids in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

The acid interferences in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP OES) were studied in a multivariate way, considering the simultaneous presence of four mineral acids (hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric and perchloric acid) with their concentrations ranging from 5 to 80% (w/w). A low power ICP OES was used, after optimization of operating parameters in order to achieve both plasma robustness and maximum signal to background ratios, favorable for trace element determinations in real samples. In order to investigate the interference mechanism, the combined effects of mineral acids on several parameters (solvent transport rate, analyte transport rate, excitation temperature, electron number density and magnesium ionic to atomic line intensity ratio) were evaluated and discussed. It was found that the combined effects of inorganic acids in ICP OES are, in general terms, more complex than the simple addition of the single effects. The more relevant interactions are between hydrochloric and nitric acids and those with sulfuric acid. Owing to these interactions, the resulting effects on the analytical signals are lower than the expected ones. The extent of any interaction depend on the nature of the interference. For the physical effects which are related with a change in the viscosity of the solution, an attenuation of the acid effect due to the presence of another acid at high concentration was evident. On the contrary, for the interferences related with a change in the plasma excitation conditions, the combined effects are higher than the addition of the single ones.     

The analysis of archaeological glass by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy

Summary An analytical procedure is described for the analysis of archaeological glass by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Glass samples were analysed in solution after fusion with lithium metaborate at 1100°C. The analyses were performed in the sequential multielemental mode of operation, with the determination of 15 elements in four analytical runs; only elements with not too large concentration difference were analysed in a single run. The following elements were accounted for: Si, Na, Ca, Al, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ti, Sr, Ba, Cr, Ni, Cu, Co, Pb.     

Noise-power spectra of optical and acoustic emission signals from an inductively coupled plasma

Noise power spectra of emission signals from an ICP discharge have been measured. Below 5 Hz the noise power spectra show a marked dependence on the type of nebulizer used. While a strict 1/f character was not observed the spectra were clearly dominated by low frequency components. Above 5 Hz the noise power spectra were, broadly speaking, independent of the nebulizer. Distinct peaks were observed in the noise power spectra in the 200–400 Hz region. The exact position and intensity of these peaks were dependent on R.F. power, coolant gas flow rate and torch design. In addition the intensity of these peaks is dependent on the exact spatial region viewed by the spectrometer. The position of these peaks correspond exactly to similar peaks found in the acoustic noise power spectrum of the ICP. It is believed these peaks are the result of plasma rotation.     

Determination of titanium dioxide in foods using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

Titanium dioxide is a common food additive of increasing interest in dietary intake studies and dietary exclusion studies. Food labelling for titanium dioxide is imprecise so a method was developed for its rapid determination in foods using acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES). Twenty-five foods thought to contain titanium dioxide were obtained. Based on preliminary digestion studies, samples (500 mg) were digested in 18 mol l-1 H2SO4 at 250 degrees C for 1 h and then diluted to 5.9 mol l-1 H2SO4 before determination of titanium by ICPOES at 336.121 nm. Emission intensity was suppressed by H2SO4 so standards were matched for acid concentration. Titanium dioxide embedded in gelatine was used to assess accuracy. A standard reference material of known titanium concentration and six foods of known titanium dioxide content were used as external reference materials. Limits of detection were 2-7.5 ppb, depending on spectral integration times, and the signal was linear up to 5 ppm. Results for all control samples were in good agreement with the expected values. Twelve of the foods contained detectable titanium, ranging from 0.001 to 0.782% by weight, but only eight indicated this on their labels, four being exempt under food labelling regulations. Based on food portion sizes, an individual's daily intake of titanium dioxide could exceed 200 mg from just one of these products. This method may facilitate future studies on titanium dioxide intake, given the present limitations of food labelling.     

Oxygen bomb combustion of biological samples for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

A rapid sample preparation method is proposed for decomposition of milk powder, corn bran, bovine and fish tissues, containing certified contents of the analytes. The procedure involves sample combustion in a commercial stainless steel oxygen bomb operating at 25 bar. Most of the samples were decomposed within 5 min. Diluted nitric acid or water-soluble tertiary amines 10% v/v were used as absorption solutions. Calcium, Cu, K, Mg, Na, P, S and Zn were recovered with the bomb washings and determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Ethanol mixed with paraffin was used as a combustion aid to allow complete combustion. A cooling step prior releasing of the bomb valve was employed to increase the efficiency of sample combustion. Iodine was also determined in milk samples spiked with potassium iodide to evaluate the volatilization and collection of iodine in amine CFA-C medium and the feasibility of its determination by ICP-OES with axial view configuration. Most of the element recoveries in the samples were between 91 and 105% and the certified and found contents exhibited a fair agreement at a 95% confidence level.     

Direct inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for analysis of waste samarium-cobalt magnets

An analytical procedure for direct determination of Al, Mg, Ti, Cr, Mn, Nb, La, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ni, Cu, Fe, Zr Sm and Co by ICP-OES in waste samarium-cobalt magnets has been developed. The significant influence of the matrix on all determinable components has been shown. The influence of operation parameters (ICP power and nebuliser flow rate) on the matrix effect has been studied using two plasma observation modes (axial and radial). For the first time, the optimal conditions for ICP-OES analysis of waste samarium-cobalt magnets has been substantiated (ICP power 1400 W, nebuliser flow rate 0.5–0.6 L/min). The analytical capabilities of the method have been evaluated using spike recovery test, certified reference materials and comparison with ICP-MS. ICP-OES measurements were performed in the axial mode for trace elements (with concentrations of n·10^?4-n·10^?2 % wt.) and in the radial mode for matrix elements and analytes (with concentrations higher than n·10^?2 % wt.). The limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the range of n·10^?5 wt% for Mn, Zr and Yb and n·10^?4 wt% for Al, Mg, Ti, Cr, Hf, La, Ni, Cu, Tb, Lu, Nb, Fe, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy and Tm. RSD ranged from 0.2 to 10.6%.     

Evaluation of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers with axially and radially viewed configurations

The analytical performance of two inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers with axially and radially viewed configurations, equipped with charge coupled device solid-state detectors was evaluated using Ar, Ba, Mg, and Ni as test elements. Both instruments have similar Echelle optical arrangements and radio-frequency generators, differing only in the viewing mode and in the diameter of the central injector tube, i.e. 2.3 for the axially and 1.4 mm for the radially viewed ICP. The figures of merit evaluated were: warm-up time, short- and long-term stabilities, UV and VIS spectral resolution and limit of detection (LOD) for Ni in 0.14 mol l⁻¹ HNO₃ and 1000 mg l⁻¹ Cr media, respectively. The influence of residual carbon content on background equivalent concentration (BEC) and sensitivity attained for Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se and Zn was also investigated in both viewing modes. The robustness, short- and long-term stabilities, and UV and VIS spectral resolutions were similar for both configurations. For the radially viewed equipment, the warm-up time was at least a factor of 2 shorter than that for the axially viewed configuration. On the other hand, the sensitivity attained for Ni with the axially viewed arrangement was approximately 20 times better than that with the radially viewed. In both viewing modes, and for most of the evaluated elements, the values of BEC and LOD were similar for all studied carbon concentrations (from 10 to 10 000 mg l⁻¹ C) when working with robust plasma conditions. The Mg II/Mg I ratio at an applied power of 1.3 kW and a nebulizer gas flow-rate of 0.90 and 0.70 l min⁻¹ for axially and radially viewed configurations were 10.6 and 13.7, respectively. Quantitative determinations were successfully performed using both systems.     

电感耦合等离子体-发射光谱分析中硫酸基体效应及抑制

研究了电感耦合等离子体-发射光谱分析中的硫酸基体效应及克服干扰的有效方法。对2%~20%范围内4种不同体积分数H2SO4溶液中30种元素的基体效应进行了观察,发现H2SO4对各元素的谱线发射强度均存在明显的抑制作用。实验证实体积分数5%乙酸可有效抑制H2SO4的基体效应,并建立了H2SO4溶液中痕量元素的电感耦合等离子体-发射光谱分析法。     

Real-time internal standardization with an axially-viewed inductively coupled plasma for optical emission spectrometry

An evaluation of precision improvements using real-time internal standardization with an axially-viewed inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is presented. New findings are presented with respect to the nature of the noise in the analytical signals from the axial ICP. It is observed that a high degree of correlation exists in the line signals from the axial ICP. Using the yttrium ion line at 371.030 nm as the internal standard, the analytical precision after the application of real-time internal standardization is maintained between 0.1 and 0.2% relative standard deviation (RSD) for ion lines. Precision improvement factors of 3 to 4 are obtained by comparison with the uncorrected results. With atomic lines, real-time internal standardization using the yttrium ion line is less effective, yielding precision values between 0.2 and 0.7% RSD. The precision improvement factors for atomic lines are between 1.5 and 3. Thus, real-time internal standardization provides significant improvements in the RSDs of the line signals. The limits of these improvements are explored and an equation is presented which yields the fundamental shot noise limit for precision. Shot noise limited precision is demonstrated. However, this is not possible for all elements using a single internal standard signal. The effectiveness of real-time internal standardization is shown to be dependent on the nature of the specific spectral line. With the axially-viewed ICP, the dominant phenomenon preventing the full benefit of internal standardization from being obtained is the amplitude of the noise in the line signals and not the degree of correlation between analyte and internal standard signals. A trend is observed for atomic transitions in which lower excitation energy is correlated with higher relative noise amplitudes. This finding is in contrast with previously published work on the radially-viewed ICP. An explanation of this result is proposed which takes into account the influence of vaporizing sample droplets in the observation volume.     

HPLC with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric detection for the analysis of inositol phosphates

The use of inductively coupled plasma optimal emission spectroscopy as a detector for the high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of inositol phosphates is studied. It is found that separation of different inositol phosphates with a mobile phase consisting of tetraethylammonium (0.14%, w/v), methanol (5%, v/v), and formic acid (0.18%, w/v) may be obtained on a PRP-1 column with an analysis time of 18 min. In addition, high specificity and sensitivity of the detection system used permits detection of the inositol phosphates from bi- to hexaphosphate free from interference of other chromatographic peaks, which could be from the sample or mobile phase. Additionally, it is possible to use less sample because of the high sensitivity of the detection system.     

Improving the analytical performances of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry by multivariate analysis techniques

The various multivariate analysis techniques which have been successfully applied to maximize the analytical performance of ICP-OES are reviewed. These include optimization procedures, spectral data processing and calibration methods as well as classification and pattern recognition techniques.