Performance of permanent iridium modifier in the presence of corrosive matrix in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

The influence of up to 16% HNO3, 28% HCl, and the mixture of both acids in aqua regia on the analytical performance of electrodeposited modifiers (Ir or Ir+Pd) was evaluated and discussed. Cadmium was used as an example of volatile elements often determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS). In the presence of HCl, the maximum pyrolysis temperature that could be applied was found to be 600 degrees C. In the presence of HNO3 and aqua regia, both modifiers stabilized cadmium up to 800 degrees C. The long-term performance of electrodeposited Ir or Ir+Pd was not influenced by mineral acids; moreover the tube lifetime was significantly prolonged compared with a non-modified tube.