Spectroscopy Solutions has developed an on-demand version of its 'Applications and New Developments in ICP-MS and Related Techniques eSeminar'. This online educational event will provide those using these techniques updates and guidance on the latest methods, protocols, processes and developments with key experts providing practical insights into their respective fields.
In this presentation Guillermo Grindlay and Juan Mora from the Analytical Atomic Spectrometry Group, University of Alicante, Spain will explain the fundamentals of matrix-based charge transfer reactions in plasma and how to use them wisely to improve method sensitivity and limits of detection.
Summary
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a powerful technique for trace and ultra-trace analysis of metals, metalloids and some non-metals. However, analytical figures of merit strongly depend on the occurrence on both spectral and non-spectral interferences. In general, interferences are mostly related to sample concomitants due to the negative impact of the matrix on aerosol generation and transport, plasma temperature, ion extraction and detection.
Although there is a bad reputation of matrix effects, they could also be advantageous for the analysis whenever the concomitant and the experimental conditions would be properly selected. Thus, the ionization of some elements with high ionization energies (e.g. As, Se, etc.) are improved when carbon, sulfur or phosphorous is introduced in the plasma. The origin of this phenomenon is related to a charge transfer reaction mechanism between concomitant ions and analyte atoms.
By viewing this presentation you will learn:
- the fundamentals of matrix-based charge transfer reactions in plasma
- how to incorporate these to improve method sensitivity and limits of detection
