Evaluation of end-capped tubes for transverse heated graphite atomizer electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Transverse heated graphite tubes with (EC-THGA) and without (THGA) ends caps have been tested with respect to characteristic mass, detection limits and reproducibilities at two levels of concentration for four different types of analytes. Compared for Cd, Pb and Cr with a standard THGA tube, the EC-THGA tube exhibits a gain of sensitivity by a factor of about 1.4 in terms of characteristic masses. Also detection limits are significantly improved for the end-capped tube design tested. The presence of end caps increases the mass of the tube and decreases consequently the heating rate achieved. As shown on the molybdenum example, the atomization efficiency of refractory metals is not so good as with standard THGA tubes. Interference effects studied on the Cd, Pb and Cr determinations in environmental samples (sediments, plants and animal tissues) are similarly negligible for the two tubes tested.     

Shadow spectral imaging of absorbing layers in a transversely heated graphite atomizer: Part 2. Molecules and condensed-phase species

The dynamics of formation and dissipation of chloride, nitrate and sulfate matrix vapors in a transversely heated graphite tube atomizer (THGA) with and without integrated platform was investigated with the use of multi-channel atomic absorption spectrometry and the shadow spectral imaging technique. It is shown that non-uniform heating of the tube walls and platform in the furnace radial cross-section causes vapor transfer from atomizer bottom to less heated sides of the tube and platform. This transfer in the atomizer cross-section can be an additional reason for lower level of matrix interferences in the THGA and is a prerequisite for explosive atomization of some elements that appear as absorbance spikes. The cross-sectional structures of molecular layers and the cloud of condensed phase particles are highly inhomogeneous, resulting in absorbance gradients up to 0.2–0.5 mm^− 1. These structures differ significantly from those observed earlier in end-heated atomizers. Local vortices of the sheath gas, toroid-shaped and bridge-like structures of vapor layers were observed in the atomizer volume. The role of light scattering on the finally dispersed condensed phase particles in the transverse heated furnace is greater than that in the end heated atomizers because of near axis location of the cloud.     

Ti and Ni tubes combined in thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (TS-FF-AAS) for the determination of copper in biological samples

This study presents an evaluation of Cu determination in thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (TS-FF-AAS) using Ni and Ti metal tube atomizers. The TS-FF-AAS system was equipped with Ti tubes inserted inside Ni tubes (called Ni/Ti), and also different configurations of Ti tube atomizers placed on an oxidizing air/acetylene flame. This new arrangement combining both tubes permitted an increased sensitivity (approximately 4 times) when it was compared with single Ni or Ti tubes. This high sensitivity is due to the formation of TiO₂ inside the Ti tubes (shown by X-ray diffractometry and microanalyses), improving the Cu atomization through the corresponding oxide. The estimated gaseous phase temperatures for the tubes (Ni, Ti and Ni/Ti) were of the same magnitude (varied from 1400 to 1800 °C). Tests with concomitants (Na, K, Ca and Mg) showed similar behavior of Ni and Ni/Ti tubes. The differences between Ni and Ni/Ti tube atomizers for Cu sensitivity were not related to differences between the tube atomizers' internal volumes. The method accuracy was verified using certified reference materials (CRM's) of biological samples prepared with a closed-vessel microwave system using diluted HNO₃. A 2 µg L^− 1 Cu detection limit was obtained using a Ni/Ti tube atomizer. The recoveries for Cu from the CRM's were about 100%. Finally, the use of a Ti tube inside a Ni tube increased the Ti tube lifetime.     

Shadow spectral imaging of absorbing layers in a transversely heated graphite atomizer: Part 1. Analyte atoms

The technique of shadow spectral imaging was used to investigate dynamics of formation and dissipation of Ag, In, Ga, Bi, Mn, Cu and Tl atomic layers in a transversely heated graphite tube atomizer (THGA) with and without integrated platform under gas-stop and gas-flow conditions. It is shown that non-uniform heating of the tube walls and platform surface in the radial cross section is the main reason for analyte transfer from atomizer bottom to less heated sides of the tube and platform before atomization temperature is reached. This transfer in the atomizer transverse cross section can be an additional factor that reduces matrix interferences in the THGA. In all the investigated cases, the atomic absorbing layers are not spatially uniform. Absorbance gradients grow up to 0.2 mm^− 1 even in the case of chemically inert silver atomization. Inverse atomization of In, Bi, Ga and Tl when atoms first appear in the atomizer's upper part was detected in THGA with platform. The effect of the internal gas flow on the spatial structure of analyte atoms is less pronounced in the transversely heated atomizer as compared to the end-heated furnaces.     

Transverse heated filter atomizer for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The filter furnace atomization concept was applied for the transverse heated atomizer. A graphite filter with graphite fiber reeled onto it was inserted into the tube of the standard transverse heated graphite atomizer (THGA) in the place of the platform. Automatic plugging of the sampling hole was applied during the atomization stage. The performance of the filter atomizer (THFA), compared with the THGA, was tested for the determination of Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cd, Cu, Ga, In, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se and Tl. The analytical performances of the THFA displayed some advantages in comparison with the THGA. The sampling volume varied in the range of 5–90 μl, while drying time for any volume was less than half of that used for the THGA. Owing to the reduced diameter of the analytical zone (2 mm) along the filter axis, a sensitivity improvement was observed for all elements, 1.3–2.8-fold without plugging and 4.3–4.8-fold for Bi, Cd, Pb and Tl with plugging of the dosing hole. An increased peak width (by two to five times for the elements tested) limited the determination of less-volatile metals. The intensity of light decreased by 20–30% in comparison with the THGA. Taking into account the sensitivity, sampling volume, light loss and signal width, the calculated gain in relative detection limit is substantial (about 2.5–7 times) only for volatile elements when the plugging is applied. The pyrolysis temperatures for Ag, As, Au, Cd, Cu and Se in the THFA without addition of modifier were by 200–600°C higher than in the THGA using Pd/Mg modifier. The lifetime of THFA tubes was similar to that of THGA tubes.     

Influence of graphite furnace tube design on vapour temperatures and chemical interferences in ETA-AAS

A two-line atomic absorption method for determination of lead was used for calculation of the temperatures experienced by analyte atoms in the gas phase after wall atomization with modified Philips SP-9 graphite tubes. For each tube, the influence of the temperature gradient on the vapour phase temperature and chemical interferences experienced by Cd, Mn and Pb in ETA-AAS was investigated. A higher vapour temperature and lower chemical interference by chlorides were observed when the tube temperature gradient was reversed through a reduction in the wall thickness towards the ends of the tube.     

Computer simulation of two-step atomization in graphite furnaces for analytical atomic spectrometry

The processes of sample fractionation by two-step atomization with the intermediate condensation of the analyte on a cold surface in graphite furnaces were theoretically studied. The transfer equation was solved for the atoms, molecules, and condensed particles of the sample from a flow of argon directed along this surface. The spatial distributions of vapor and the condensate formed were calculated depending on the composition and flow rate. It was found that a cold surface section with a length of 6 mm is sufficient for the complete trapping of atomic analyte vapor from an argon layer having a velocity of about 1 m/sec and a thickness of 5 mm. In this case, the molecules and clusters condensation coefficients smaller than unity were deposited insignificantly; that is, they were fractionally separated. The results of the shadow spectral visualization of the process of sample fractionation on a cold probe surface of in commercial HGA and THGA atomizers were interpreted. The advantages of analytical signals upon the evaporation of a sample condensate from the probe in these atomizers and inductively coupled plasma were demonstrated.     

Recent developments in atomizers for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

This review first describes general requirements to be met for suitable base materials used to produce electrothermal atomizers (ETAs). In this connection the physical and chemical properties of adequate types of graphite and metals are discussed. Further, various atomizer designs, their temperature dynamics during atomization and general performance characteristics are critically reviewed. For end-heated Massmann-type atomizers, discussions are focused on recent developments of, e.g., contoured tubes to achieve improved temperature homogeneity over the tube length, second surface atomizers to realize temporally isothermal atomization and tubes with graphite filters to reduce interference effects. The state-of-the-art of platform equipped, side-heated atomizers with integrated contacting bridges are characterized mainly with respect to heating dynamics, as well as susceptibility to interference- and memory effects. In contrast to end-heated ETAs, the tube ends of side-heated ETAs are freely located in the furnace compartment and, as a consequence of this configuration, convective gas flows can easily appear. The magnitude and effect of these flows on analytical performance are discussed and measures are suggested, permitting operation under diffusion controlled conditions. A critical comparison of classical constant temperature atomizers with state-of-the-art platform equipped ETAs is made and from this it is concluded that future ETA developments are likely to involve only minor modifications aiming at, e.g., the reduction of cycling times or the improvement of tube surface properties.     

Recent developments in atomizers for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

This review first describes general requirements to be met for suitable base materials used to produce electrothermal atomizers (ETAs). In this connection the physical and chemical properties of adequate types of graphite and metals are discussed. Further, various atomizer designs, their temperature dynamics during atomization and general performance characteristics are critically reviewed. For end-heated Massmann-type atomizers, discussions are focused on recent developments of, e.g., contoured tubes to achieve improved temperature homogeneity over the tube length, second surface atomizers to realize temporally isothermal atomization and tubes with graphite filters to reduce interference effects. The state-of-the-art of platform equipped, side-heated atomizers with integrated contacting bridges are characterized mainly with respect to heating dynamics, as well as susceptibility to interference- and memory effects. In contrast to end-heated ETAs, the tube ends of side-heated ETAs are freely located in the furnace compartment and, as a consequence of this configuration, convective gas flows can easily appear. The magnitude and effect of these flows on analytical performance are discussed and measures are suggested, permitting operation under diffusion controlled conditions. A critical comparison of classical constant temperature atomizers with state-of-the-art platform equipped ETAs is made and from this it is concluded that future ETA developments are likely to involve only minor modifications aiming at, e.g., the reduction of cycling times or the improvement of tube surface properties.     

Corrosion of transversely heated graphite tubes by mineral acids

Corrosive changes of transversely heated graphite atomizer (THGA)-tube and platform surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscopy in combination with tube lifetime measurements under recommended conditions for vanadium determination. This was done for the four mineral acid matrices HNO₃, HF, HCl and HClO₄. Rising corrosion and reduced tube lifetime are observed for these matrices in the sequence HNO₃<HF≪HCl<HClO₄. Morphological changes related to the corrosive attack are different for each acid matrix and so are the effects on the analytical behaviour of the tubes. The results are compared to relevant data for vanadium and chromium measurements, which are applied for routine quality control of THGA- and LHGA-tubes by Perkin Elmer. The average mass loss of the investigated tubes per analysis cycle is also determined and is a further essential parameter of tube corrosion. Mass loss is mainly caused by carbon evaporation and particle emission during atomization and tube scavenging steps. Changes in electrical resistivity of the investigated tubes before and after the lifetime experiments were found, however, they were within the specified range for the quality control of THGA-tubes. Hence, they do not affect the temperature setting by voltage control in the relevant spectrometer systems.     

Tungsten coil devices in atomic spectrometry: absorption, fluorescence, and emission.

In this work, tungsten coil (W-Coil) devices are used as atomizers for electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), electrothermal atomization laser excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry (ETA-LEAFS), and electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ETV-ICP-AES). For most cases in ETAAS and ETA-LEAFS, limits of detection (LODs) using the W-Coil are within a factor of ten of those observed with commercial graphite furnace systems. LOD for Cd by W-Coil AAS is 10 pg, while LODs for As, Se, Cr, Sb and Pb by W-Coil LEAFS are 950, 320, 1400, 330, and 160 fg, respectively. The compact W-Coil device makes it an ideal atomizer for portable atomic spectrometry instrumentation, especially when coupled with a miniature charge coupled device spectrometer. Alternatively, the atomizer can be used as an inexpensive, modular add-on to an existing commercial ICP-AES system; and the thermal separation of Pb with interference elements Al, Mn, and Fe is demonstrated.     

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy - preseht understanding and future needs

A comparison is made between Massmann-type furnaces (with and without the L'vov platform) and constant temperature atomizers. It is shown that there is no major difference between these types of furnaces with regard to peak height sensitivities. On the other hand, the Massmann-type furnaces shoved to a greater extent susceptibilities towards matrix interference effects. The effect of the sample residence time on gas phase interference effects has been investigated at various constant temperatures for lead in large excesses of iron chloride and sodium sulphate, respectively. These experimental results are discussed and they are correlated to data obtained by high temperature equilibrium calculations. As a conclusion we found that there is a need for a better control of the gas phase inside graphite tubes. Advantages of separating the volatilization and atomization processes are discussed. The potentialities of constant temperature atomizers for atomic emission spectroscopy are lined out.Since its inception, conventional GFAAS has been developed considerably with regard to methodology and instrumentation. The technique has been essentially improved by the introduction of e.g., automatic sample devices, the L'vov platform technique, matrix modifications, pyrolytically coated graphite, automatic background correctors, adequate signal evaluation and rapid controlled heating of the atomizers. In spite of this progress there still remain problems in connection with the vaporization/atomization of samples. In conventional Massmann-type furnaces, the temperature at which an element is vaporized depends on its volatility and usually effective atomization temperatures are often too low for complete atomization. An additional disadvantage comprises difficulties in relating absorbance signals, which may originate from different atomization intervals, to true amounts of an element. Many of these problems inherent in Massmann-type furnaces can be eliminated by vaporizing samples into atomizers which are kept at a constant temperature. This concept was employed in the first graphite furnace ever built for analytical AAS [l], but due to the technical complexity of the isothermal approach, it has only been realized on a minor scale and therefore little is known about its limitations.By vaporizing samples from a platform [2,3] inserted into Massmann-type furnaces, the problems arising from non-isothermal atomization can often be minimized in a relatively simple way. In particular for volatile elements it is possible to approach conditions of constant temperature atomizers by the combined use of the platform technique with an element stabilizing modifier solution [4,5].The aim of this paper is to characterize isothermal as well as Massmann-type atomizers (equipped with and without platforms) with respect to sensitivity and susceptibility to interference effects as well as identifying future needs in order to develop the graphite furnace technique further.     

Effect of magnesium nitrate vaporization on gas temperature in the graphite furnace

The vaporization of magnesium nitrate was observed in longitudinally-heated graphite atomizers, using pyrocoated and Ta-lined tubes and filter furnace, Ar or He as purge gas and 10–200-μg samples. A charge coupled device (CCD) spectrometer and atomic absorption spectrometer were employed to follow the evolution of absorption spectra (200–400 nm), light scattering and emission. Molecular bands of NO and NO₂ were observed below 1000°C. Magnesium atomic absorption at 285.2 nm appeared at approximately 1500°C in all types of furnaces. The intensity and shape of Mg atomization peak indicated a faster vapor release in pyrocoated than in Ta-lined tubes. Light scattering occurred only in the pyrocoated tube with Ar purge gas. At 1500–1800°C it was observed together with Mg absorption using either gas-flow or gas-stop mode. At 2200–2400°C the scattering was persistent with gas-stop mode. Light scattering at low temperature showed maximum intensity near the center of the tube axis. Magnesium emission at 382.9, 383.2 and 383.8 nm was observed simultaneously with Mg absorption only in the pyrocoated tube, using Ar or He purge gas. The emission lines were identified as Mg ³P°–³D triplet having 3.24 eV excitation energy. The emitting species were distributed close to the furnace wall. The emitting layer was thinner in He than in Ar. The experimental data show that a radial thermal gradient occurs in the cross section of the pyrocoated tube contemporaneously to the vaporization of MgO. This behavior is attributed to the reaction of the sample vapor with the graphite on the tube wall. The estimated variation of temperature within the cross section of the tube reaches more than 300–400°C for 10 μg of magnesium nitrate sampled. The increase of gas temperature above the sample originates a corresponding increase of the vaporization rate. Fast vaporization and thermal gradient together cause the spatial condensation of sample vapor that induces the light scattering.     

Effect of beryllium nitrate vaporization on surface temperature in the pyrocoated graphite furnace

The vaporization of 20–50 μg beryllium from nitrate solution was observed in graphite furnace atomizers using pyrocoated and Ta-lined tubes. A charge coupled device (CCD) spectrometer was employed to follow the evolution of absorption spectra (200–475 nm), the light scattering and emission. Molecular bands of NO and NO₂ were observed below 1000°C. Beryllium absorption at 234.9 nm was prominent in spectra above 2200°C and 1900°C, respectively, in Ta-lined and pyrocoated tubes. The evolution profile of Be atomic absorption and of some bands indicated a faster vapor release in the pyrocoated tube. Light scattering occurred only in the pyrocoated tube, increasing with the tube age. When purge gas mini flow was applied, the scattering was observed at 1900–2200°C simultaneously with Be atomic absorption and emission continuum at long wavelength. The emission continuum showed the wavelength distribution characteristic of black body radiation. The temperature increase, due to the vaporization of the sample, was estimated using Planck’s equation. The maximum temperature increase reached 400°C, when the most intense Be atomic absorption, light scattering and emission was observed. According to the hypothesis proposed, the black body radiation was induced by the formation of Be carbide in the pyrographite layer. Low heat capacity across the pyrographite prevented the heat dissipation, and led to increase of surface temperature. This induced an increase of sample evaporation rate and the formation of a thermal gradient in the cross section of the tube. Both factors originated vapor supersaturation in the tube center, spatial condensation and, accordingly, light scattering. The results, together with those already obtained with Mg nitrate place limitations to the atomization theories based on the concept of isothermal equilibrium or on Arrhenius kinetic approach.     

流动注射氢化物石墨炉原子吸收法的应用研究 Ⅰ.——实验装置与分析性能

氢化物石墨炉联用技术的原理是先在较低温度下将氢化物蒸气通入石墨炉并分解沉积于石墨管的内表面,然后再在高温下原子化。该法能明显提高灵敏度,消除液相和气相干扰。本文采用自制的半自动氢化物石墨炉进样系统及流动注射氢化物发生器,直接在普通石墨炉上进行氢化物石墨炉分析,研究了部分元素的测定条件,建立的方法操作方便,灵敏度高,耗样少,线性范围宽,是一种值得推广的新方法。     

Atomic spectrometry based on metallic tube atomizers heated by flame: Innovative strategies from fundamentals to analysis

This review describes recent developments in atomic absorption spectrometry using metallic tube atomizers heated by flames. Sample introduction in spray or gaseous form is emphasized, describing some proposed systems for this task and the fundamentals involved in each context. The latest challenges and future possibilities for use of metallic tubes in atomic/mass spectrometry are also considered.     

Temperature gradients as a limiting factor for absolute analysis by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Characteristic masses (m_exp) have been established for 21 elements using open ended spatially isothermal cuvettes of 17 and 25 mm length. The integrated absorbance is found to be proportional to the square of the cuvette length only if provision is made to limit the life time of free atoms beyond the ends of the cuvette. The m_exp values are compared with theoretical data and with characteristic masses obtained using a Massmann-type furnace. For a given cuvette length, spatially isothermal atomizers are shown to give better m_exp values than Massmann-type furnaces, particularly for involatile elements. This observation can be related to temperature gradients which decrease the effective tube length of Massmann-type furnaces.     

An ion exchanger-epoxy resin pelletization method for sample preparation in X-ray fluorescence analysis. Microanalysis of metal ions in industrial waste water

Flame atomic emission and atomic absorption detection limits are compared on an absolute basis for the easily determined element, copper. Remarkably similar detection limits are obtained with a variety of atomization and sample introduction system combinations. Heated graphite atomizers offer significantly lower minimum detectable quantities.     

Sealed tube differential thermal analysis studies of some nickel(II) salt hydrates

Sealed and open tube DTA curves are reported for nickel sulfate, nitrate, ammonium sulfate, chloride, acetate, formate and perchlorate hydrates. The endothermic peaks for the sealed tube reactions were smaller than those found for the open tubes, due to the lack of water vaporization in the former. With the exception of NiSO₄-(NH₄)₂SO₄-6H₂O, the peaks for the sealed and open tube reactions appeared at about the same initial peak temperature. The sealed tube reaction intervals (T_f-T_i) were shorter than those found for the open tube.     

Use of modifiers with metal atomizers in electrothermal AAS: a short review

The evolution of chemical modifiers for Mo and W atomizers is slowly progressing, based mainly on trial and error experimentation. Despite repeated use of some chemical compounds, such as thiourea for Mo atomizers, at this point there is no panacea similar to the Pd+Mg mixture used widely in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Clearly, the chemical processes involved during atomization from a metal atomizer differ significantly from those occurring in a graphite tube, so successful graphite modifiers may not be readily adapted to metal atomizers. As a result, the analyst must begin anew with the evaluation of many potential modifiers in hopes of finally arriving at some universal solution. The purpose of this review, with 62 references, is to describe that journey to date, and to point out some promising paths that may lead to future success: such as the development of permanent chemical modifiers for W and Mo electrothermal atomizers.