Direct injection nebulization for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

An improved direct Injection nebulizer (DIN) Is used In a continuous-flow mode for Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). Precision In cases where the signal Is not limited by counting statistics Is typically 0.5% relative standard deviation (RSD), an Improvement by a factor of 4 over the precision obtained with conventional nebulizers. A rlnse-out time of only 15 s Is sufficient to reduce the analyte signal to 0.1% of Its steady-state value, even for memoryprone elements such as Hg and I. Relative detection limits are similar to those obtained with conventional pneumatic nebulizers. Since the sample flow rate Is only 120 µ min"1, the absolute detection limits are Improved by up to an order of magnitude. The refractory oxide Ion ratios (MO+/M+) are 3 times higher than with other nebulizers. Matrix effects caused by Na are comparable to those observed with other nebulizers.

Liquid-sample introduction in plasma spectrometry

“…Similarly, Green¢eld and co-workers used a nebulizer to introduce samples directly into the ICP 30 years ago [26]. The DIN is a modi¢ed version of this device [27]. In this case, the aerosol is generated at the plasma base and no analyte is lost downwards.…”

Determination of plutonium isotopes in waters and environmental solids: A review

“…However, in order to reduce the sample consumption and consequently minimize instrumental radioactivity contamination and reduce waste generation, high efficiency micronebulization might be hyphenated with ICP-MS for precise and accurate determination of ultra trace radionuclides as well as their isotopic ratios. Various low-consumption nebulisers, such as the microconcentric nebulizer (MCN) [102,103], the high efficiency nebulizer (HEN) [104][105][106][107][108][109], the direct injection nebulizer (DIN) [110][111][112], oscillating capillary nebulizer (OCN) [113,114] by using similar operation conditions for SF-ICP-MS but without application of Ar-N 2 mixed gas plasma [71]. However, the 241 Pu results had relatively large uncertainty if the intensity of signals is rather low.…”

High throughput sample introduction system for the analysis of drinking waters and wastewaters by ICP-MS

“…Direct injection nebulizers (DIN) 28,29 and direct injection high efficiency nebulizers (DIHEN) 30,31 improve the sample transport efficiency to 100%, even at relatively low flow rates, and do not require a spray chamber, thereby decreasing the dead volume, increasing the response time, and reducing memory effects.…”