Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy: Its present and future position in analytical chemistry

Application of two-level full factorial design and response surface methodology in the optimization of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES) instrumental parameters for the determination of platinum

“…The 0.70 L/min flow rate obtained in this Reference line optimization exercise is consistent with this requirement. The optimum RF power (1400 W) obtained for the determination of Pt using the 265.945 nm line, lies close to the upper limit of 1.5 kW recommended by Boumans (1979) and Hou and Jones (2000). Higher plasma power conditions generate high temperature plasma conditions, and as earlier discussed for carrier gas flow rate, the Pt 265.945 nm line is a high energy line that requires high plasma power for efficient atomization, ionization and excitation.…”

“…This is confirmed in the response surface Figure 3b which now shows a sharp peak at the optimized values of carrier gas flow rate and plasma power of 0.70 L/min and 1400 W, respectively. The optimum nebulizer gas flow rate of 0.70 L/min established for the determination of Pt using the 265.945 nm line lies close to the lower limit of 0.5 recommended by Boumans (1979), Skoog et al (1998) and Hou and Jones (2000). The nebulizer gas flow rate directly controls the sample transit time through the plasma, affecting the level of atomization, excitation and ionization (Todoli et al, 2002;Vanhaecke and Dams, 1993).…”

“…The observation height of 10 mm above the load coil used lies at the lower limit of 10 mm recommended by Boumans(1979) and and below the lower limit of 15 mm recommended by Skoog et al (1998).…”

“…Critical parameters that affect the ICP-OES analytical performance and require optimization are: RF power, nebulizer gas flow rate, viewing height and sample introduction rate (Boumans, 1979;Zhaneni and Wagatsuma, 2002;Raaijmakers et al, 1983;Boumans, 1987). Traditionally, optimization of instrumental variables has been carried out by varying one variable at a time (OVAT approach).…”

“…Table 2 shows the low and high factor levels used in the present study. These levels were selected by reference to published literature (Boumans, 1979;Skoog et al, 1998;Hou and Jones, 2000). All samples prepared were measured using the Spectro Arcos ICP-OES at the factor levels specified in Tables 1 and 2.…”