Spectral Standards Based on Glasses Activated with Rare-Earth Element Ions for the Calibration of Fluorescence and Raman Spectrometers

Optics and Spectroscopy - The results of development of fluorescence calibration standards based on phosphate matrix glass activated with ions of rare-earth metals are presented. The calibration...     

Comparative activity of aqueous dispersions of CdS nanocrystals stabilized by cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes in photocatalytic hydrogen production from water

The results of a study on the photocatalytic activity of aqueous dispersions of Ni-doped CdS nanocrystals (NCs) covered with an amphiphilic polyelectrolyte (PE) shell, i.e., a polycation (NC-PC) or polyanion (NC-PA), are presented for the first time. The H₂ evolution rate measured under identical conditions served as a measure of activity. The NC-PC and NC-PA samples were characterized by similar PE content (~40%) and monomodal size distribution. According to our calculations based on the NC dimensions and lattice parameters, about one macromolecule of the PE is required to stabilize one NC. The average hydrodynamic diameter of the NC-PC was found to be 1.5 times larger than that of the NC-PA due to the difference between their chemical structures and different abilities of ionogenic groups to dissociate. The photocatal ytic activity of the PE-stabilized CdS nanocrystals was significantly influenced by the type of the PE, while the H₂ evolution rate depended on the reducing medium used during the process. When the medium contained Na₂S or when the PE-stabilized NCs were pretreated with Na₂S, the effect of the shell type was more pronounced and the activity of NC-PA was 2 to 14 times higher than that of NC-PC.     

Account of Matrix Effects in the Spectrometric Determination of Trace Elements Using the Single-Point Standard Addition Method

Journal of Analytical Chemistry - Possibilities of taking into account matrix effects in the determination of trace elements by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled...     

Design considerations regarding an atomizer for multi-element electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The methodology of simultaneous multi-element electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS-Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) stipulates rigid requirements to the design and operation of the atomizer. It must provide high degree of atomization for the group of analytes, invariant respective to the vaporization kinetics and heating ramp residence time of atoms in the absorption volume and absence of memory effects from major sample components. For the low resolution spectrometer with a continuum radiation source the reduced compared to traditional ETAAS (Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) sensitivity should be, at least partially, compensated by creating high density of atomic vapor in the absorption pulse. The sought-for characteristics were obtained for the 18 mm in length and 2.5 mm in internal diameter longitudinally heated graphite tube atomizer furnished with 2-4.5 mg of ring shaped carbon fiber yarn collector. The collector located next to the sampling port provides large substrate area that helps to keep the sample and its residue in the central part of the tube after drying. The collector also provides a “platform” effect that delays the vaporization and stipulates vapor release into absorption volume having already stabilized gas temperature. Due to the shape of external surface of the tube, presence of collector and rapid (about 10 °C/ms) heating, an inverse temperature distribution along the tube is attained at the beginnings of the atomization and cleaning steps. The effect is employed for cleaning of the atomizer using the set of short maximum power heating pulses. Preparation, optimal maintenance of the atomizer and its compliance to the multi-element determination requirements are evaluated and discussed. The experimental setup provides direct simultaneous determination of large group of element within 3-4 order concentration range. Limits of detection are close to those for sequential single element determination in Flame AAS with primary line source that is 50-1000 times higher than the limits obtainable with common ETAAS (Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) instrumentation.