Graphite atomizers modified with high-melting carbides for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. II. Practical aspects

Data relating to practical applications of carbide-modified graphite atomizers (CMGAs) published mainly since 1985 are critically discussed. All elements being determined by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry are divided into ten groups according to their characteristics in graphite atomizers. CMGAs are the most effective for the determination of the elements forming rather stable oxides, such as Ge, Sn, Ga, In, as well as B and Si. The application of CMGAs to the determination of carbide-forming elements (Cr, Mo, V, Ti, etc.) may cause a significant decrease in their sensitivity. Concerning the high-volatility analytes (semi-metals and boron), CMGAs are usually effective only in the presence of regular chemical modifiers, primarily the salts of Pd and Ni. CMGAs may be successfully used for the determination of some organoelement (with Sn, Pb, Se, As) compounds, as well as for the trapping of volatile hydrides. CMGAs seem to be especially promising for analysis of biological samples, organic extracts, solid samples and samples containing high concentrations of mineral acids. High-melting carbides are prospective permanent modifiers.