Selecting the Right ICP Solutions For Your Applications
ICP solutions are analysis techniques involving multiple elements that use an inductively coupled plasma source to separate a sample into its constituent atoms or ions. Then the ions may be detected in a mass analyzer or they can be excited to a level at which they emit light of a distinctive wavelength.
ICP solutions can consist of a range of processes, this article will outline some of these solutions and the applications they are best suited to.
ICP-OES vs ICP-MS: Comparison of the ICP Solutions
Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) this type of ICP solution monitors the intensity of emitted light. This then informs the concentration evaluation of the particular element as it is compared to calibration standards.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry observes the intensity of the analyte ions produced in the inductively coupled plasma source. The ions in the plasma are sorted by their mass-to-charge ratio which allows for the identification and quantitation of the present analytes. ICP-MS is the more sensitive of the two ICP solutions, offering low detection limits for a wide range of elements.
What About LA-ICP-MS?
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyzes the sample directly by ablating a sample using a pulsed laser beam. This process creates aerosols and transports them to the core of an ICP using a gas stream. The plasma in this process generates ions that are introduced to the mass analyzer, allowing for an unknown sample to be measured and identified.
Sample Preparation for ICP Solutions
ICP solutions involve ionizing analytes using high-temperature argon plasma. The elemental composition of the analyte is quantified by analyzing the mass and charge of ionized particles.
ICP solutions involve expensive and complex processes that require a variety of instruments to maintain optimal experimental conditions. Some examples of equipment used in ICP solutions are electromagnetic coils, atomic emission spectroscopy systems, and samples that have been meticulously prepared to ensure the utmost purity.
ICP solutions tend to rely on the pneumatic nebulization of argon plasma that passes through a cold flow of gas. After this, they are vaporized and ionized. The disadvantage of this is that large particles are not suited to ICP analysis and there are difficulties for ICP analysis of solid samples.
ICP Solutions for Solid Samples
Solid samples are liquefied using dissolution by acid digestion or fusion techniques. Lithium tetraborate and lithium metaborate eutectic fusion mixtures are used for sample preparation. They create a reliably low water content of less than 0.04% due to their hygroscopic nature. This means that their flux ratios guarantee high-quality analytical results.
