Electrothermal vaporisation as a means of sample introduction in ICP-MS

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Handbook 

With the standard sample introduction system, consisting of a pneumatic nebuliser and spray chamber, only droplets 10 xm in diameter are permitted to reach the ICP. This selection results in an analyte introduction efficiency of only 1-2%, but is required to maintain plasma stability and ensure efficient desolvation, atomisation and ionisation in the ICP. Additionally, the total concentration of dissolved solids is usually limited to a maximum of 2 g/L only, to prevent clogging of the nebuliser, torch injector tube and/or sampling cone and skimmer orifices, and also to limit signal suppression and long-lasting memory effects. Of course, when using ETV for sample 

Of course, ETV-ICP-MS is applicable to the analysis of all aqueous sample solutions that are amenable to analysis via PN-ICP-MS. However, as a result of the transient nature of the signals, the precision attainable is typically limited to between 5 and 10% RSD, while the multi-element capabilities are reduced. Therefore, only for those sample types for which analysis with PN-ICP-MS is problematic or at least not self-evident does the use of ETV-ICP-MS become preferable. Bettinelli et used ETV-ICP-MS for trace element analysis of bee honey, used as an indicator 

As a result of the difficult nature of the samples typically subjected to analysis via ETV-ICP-MS, external cahbration versus an aqueous standard solution is only applicable in a minority of apphcations. Most often, single standard addition or isotope dilution is used for quantification purposes. Of course, when the ETV unit is equipped with an autosampler, the addition of ahquots of modifier, standard or isotopic spike solution into the graphite furnace is facUitated. 

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