Flame Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry: A Review

Abstract

Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) is one of the most widespread traditional analytical techniques for trace element determination, but it often suffers from poor sensitivity due to the low nebulization efficiency and the short residence time of free atoms in the flame. On the basis of conventional FAAS, flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (FF-AAS) is developed with a tube (flame furnace) placed on top of the FAAS burner for the atomization. Sample is introduced via beam injection (BIFF-AAS) or thermospray (TS-FF-AAS). Due to the total sample introduction and prolonged residence time of free atoms in the flame furnace, marked sensitivity improvement is obtained for volatile and semivolatile elements over conventional FAAS. TS-FF-AAS can be employed as an element-selective detector for GC, HPLC, or CE for studying of metal speciation analysis and metallomics. In addition, three newly developed sample introduction methods, including ultrasonic nebulization, hydride generation, and pneumatic nebulization, are discussed. The analytical figures of merit and practical applications of FF-AAS in analytical atomic spectrometry are reviewed in this article.