Determination of silicon using electrothermal Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry in presence of some transition metals as modifiers

The transition metals ions Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) in addition to Ca(II) have been used as modifiers in the determination of silicon using electrothermal Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry. Co(II) proved to be the best. Graphite tubes treated with zirconium, in the presence of Co(II) as a modifier, exhibit higher sensitivity by a factor of five than untreated tubes. The modifier concentration and ashing and atomization temperatures have been optimized. Also interference of different inorganic cations and anions was studied.