Element Analysis Using ICP-OES and ICP-MS

Optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), both with inductively coupled plasma, have today become one of the most versatile and powerful analytical methods for qualitative and quantitative element analysis.

The two perfectly complementary methods together cover the largest area of main, secondary, and trace element determination. They have evolved to become the leading technology for routine and special analysis and are indispensable in the fields of environmental analysis, modern material and substance analysis, in-process and contamination analysis as well as quality assurance and research.

The analytical methods based on inductively coupled plasmas are capable of supplying the quantitative element composition for a variety of sample types, such as liquids, suspensions, solids, powders, etc. In the case of solid samples, a dissolving process, melting digestion or microwave-supported acid digestion is usually necessary in which potentially volatile analytes are preserved in the digestion solution.

The sample solution is converted into a fine aerosol by atomizer which is then introduced into an inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP) at temperatures of 6,000–10,000 K. Here, the solution goes through the following processes:

Drying → Desolvation → Evaporation → Atomization → Ionization

ICP-OES: Due to the high temperatures in the plasma, the analyte atoms and ions are thermally stimulated and emit light of their characteristic wavelengths. In the spectrometer, the radiation emitted by specific elements is separated by wavelength by means of diffraction grids (Echelle grids), amplified and measured simultaneously by means of a semiconductor detector. Quantification is carried out using calibration standards. ICP-OES is particularly suitable for ppm analysis.

ICP-MS: In contrast to OES, ICP-MS analyzes the masses of the ions produced in the plasma. The analytes present in the sample are fed as simply charged ions to a quadrupole mass spectrometer and separated, amplified and sequentially detected according to their mass/charge ratio. ICP-MS offers an extremely high degree of sensitivity to a wide variety of elements and is particularly powerful in trace analysis (ppb/ppt).

Our Services

• Analysis of element composition
• Analysis for determining the purity of process media or application chemicals
• Determination of surface purity or contamination of components and products

Applications

• Bulk analysis of glass, plastics, metals, alloys, ceramic materials, catalysts, batteries, etc.
• Qualitative and quantitative element analysis of unknown materials
• Determination of content or analysis of contamination/purity of process media
• Analysis of auxiliary and operating materials for incoming goods inspection
• Determination of element composition of Battery electrolytes or electrode materials
• Determination of element content in Plastics
• Analysis of the Surface purity of components or plant components
• Heavy metal analysis in various dies

Specifications

• Multi-element technology for > 55 elements (element range: Li–Bi)
• Large dynamic measuring range: ppb (g/kg) to % range
• Determination limits depending on sample matrix and element
• Good long-term stability for large measuring series

Standard Excerpt

Based on:

DIN EN ISO 11885

Water quality – Determination of selected elements by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)

DIN EN ISO 17294-2

Water quality – Application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); Part 2: Determination of 62 elements

Contact

SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS GmbH
Königsbrücker Landstr. 161
01109 Dresden

t +49 351 8841-200
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