Inductively coupled plasma alternative plasmas

Multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) combines sector-field ICPMS with a multiple collector detector system and has recently emerged as an alternative to TIMS for precise U-Th isotope measurement. The full potential of MC-ICPMS has yet to be realized. Yet despite this, its performance in high precision isotope measurement already challenges and, in some cases, surpasses that ever achieved by TIMS (e.g., Lee and Halliday 1995 Blichert-Toft and Albarede 1997). 

At present, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry provides a unique, powerful alternative for the determination of rare earths in natural samples [638,639]. Nevertheless, its application to the determination of rare earths at ultratrace concentration level in seawater is limited, because highly saline samples can cause both spectral interferences and matrix effects [640]. Therefore, a separation of the matrix components and preconcentration of the analytes are prerequisites. To achieve this goal, many preconcentration techniques have been used, including coprecipitation with... 

The extension of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometry to seawater analysis has been slow for two major reasons. The first is that the concentrations of almost all trace metals of interest are 1 xg/l or less, below detection limits attainable with conventional pneumatic nebulisation. The second is that the seawater matrix, with some 3.5% dissolved solids, is not compatible with most of the sample introduction systems used with ICP. Thus direct multielemental trace analysis of seawater by ICP-AES is impractical, at least with pneumatic nebulisation. In view of this, a number of alternative strategies can be considered ... 

An alternative to AAS is the more sensitive spectrometric determination of Li by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) or optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). In Table 3 are summarized the spectral lines of the Li emission... 

In 1C, the election-detection mode is the one based on conductivity measurements of solutions in which the ionic load of the eluent is low, either due to the use of eluents of low specific conductivity, or due to the chemical suppression of the eluent conductivity achieved by proper devices (see further). Nevertheless, there are applications in which this kind of detection is not applicable, e.g., for species with low specific conductivity or for species (metals) that can precipitate during the classical detection with suppression. Among the techniques that can be used as an alternative to conductometric detection, spectrophotometry, amperometry, and spectroscopy (atomic absorption, AA, atomic emission, AE) or spectrometry (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, ICP-MS, and MS) are those most widely used. Hence, the wide number of techniques available, together with the improvement of stationary phase technology, makes it possible to widen the spectrum of substances analyzable by 1C and to achieve extremely low detection limits. 

As an alternative to commercial quadrupole based ICP-MS measurements at low mass resolution ( / 300), in 1996 Yiang and Douglas15 proposed a quadrupole ICP-MS system which allows a maximum mass resolution of 9000. At a mass resolution of 5000 the sensitivity was comparable to that of a commercial double-focusing sector field ICP-MS operated at the same mass resolution. Due to the very high continuum instrumental background of about lOOOcps no commercial high resolution quadrupole instrumentation with an inductively coupled plasma source exists and the development of high resolution quadrupole based ICP-MS has ceased. 

The most frequently applied analytical methods used for characterizing bulk and layered systems (wafers and layers for microelectronics see the example in the schematic on the right-hand side) are summarized in Figure 9.4. Besides mass spectrometric techniques there are a multitude of alternative powerful analytical techniques for characterizing such multi-layered systems. The analytical methods used for determining trace and ultratrace elements in, for example, high purity materials for microelectronic applications include AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry), XRF (X-ray fluorescence analysis), ICP-OES (optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma), NAA (neutron activation analysis) and others. For the characterization of layered systems or for the determination of surface contamination, XPS (X-ray photon electron spectroscopy), SEM-EDX (secondary electron microscopy combined with energy disperse X-ray analysis) and... 

The elemental composition of unknown materials such as engine deposits can be determined qualitatively and the information used to develop dissolution methods prior to analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICPAES). Alternatively, a semi-quantitative analysis can be provided by XRF alone, especially important when only a limited quantity of sample is available and needed for subsequent tests. The deposit does not even have to be removed from the piston since large objects can be placed directly inside an EDXRF spectrometer. 

There is also a standard test method for determination of major and minor elements in coal ash by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-atomic emission spectrometry (ASTM D-6349). In the test method, the sample to be analyzed is ashed under standard conditions and ignited to constant weight. The ash is fused with a fluxing agent followed by dissolution of the melt in dilute acid solution. Alternatively, the ash is digested in a mixture of hydrofluoric, nitric, and hydrochloric acids. The solution is analyzed by (ICP)-atomic emission spectrometry for the elements. The basis of the method is the measurement of atomic emissions. Aqueous solutions of the samples are nebulized, and a portion of the aerosol that is produced is transported to the plasma torch, where excitation and emission occurs. Characteristic line emission spectra are produced by a radio-frequency inductively coupled plasma. A grating monochromator system is used to separate the emission lines, and the intensities of the lines are monitored by photomultiplier tube or photodiode array detection. The photocurrents from the detector... 

Siripinyanond, A., Worapanyanond, S., and Shiowatana, J. (2005). Field-flow fractionation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry An alternative approach to investigate metal-humic substances interaction. Environ. Sci. Technol. 39(9), 3295-3301. 

Most chemical agents contain specific elements in common. G and V agents all contain phosphoms and blister agents, like the mustards, contain sulfur or nitrogen. The combustion of these materials yields excited atoms that emit light characteristic of these elements. The emissions are viewed through an interference filter by a photodetector. As an alternative to a flame, low-powered, inductively coupled (or microwave) plasmas have been used as emission sources. These sources have been combined with... 

Cadmium Determine as directed under Cadmium Limit Test, Appendix IIIB. Alternatively, use the Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Method below ... 

Analysis of Al can be routinely performed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Alternatively, atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization may be employed, but considerable attention must be paid to matrix interferences. 

Extensive analytical efforts to fully characterize the oil shales are underway at Exxon Research and Engineering Company s Baytown Laboratories. No significant losses of any metals of concern are observed during high temperature ashing. An alternate means of rapid ash determination uses a Parr combustion bomb. The ash can be dissolved by alkaline fusion in a Claisse fluxer or by acid dissolution in a Parr bomb. The solutions thus prepared are analyzed by atomic absorption or by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry for major (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Si, Ti) and trace elements (As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Sr, U, V, Zn). Kerogen enriched shales need to be ashed before the dissolution, otherwise low recoveries are obtained. Overall accuracy and precision of metals determination is within... 

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