ICP-MS Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer is an analytical instrument that combines ICP technology and mass spectrometry. It can simultaneously measure dozens of trace elements. The instrument covers a wide range of elements, including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition Metals and other metalloids, rare earth elements, most halogens and some non-metallic elements.


Principle: After the sample is introduced into the atomization system by the carrier gas (argon gas) for atomization, it enters the central area of the plasma in the form of aerosol, and is desolvated, vaporized, dissociated and ionized in a high temperature and inert atmosphere, and converted into a positive band. The charged positive ions enter the mass spectrometer through the ion acquisition system. The mass spectrometer separates according to the mass-to-charge ratio, and determines the content of the corresponding element in the sample according to the peak intensity of the element mass spectrum.


Choice of sample preparation method:
Dilution: Dilute acid with deionized water
Pre-concentration: evaporation of solvent; extraction and enrichment (SPE or LLE)
Filtration: prevents clogging of the nebulizer
Acidification: prevents hydrolysis of metal ions
Digestion: acid dissolution method in open container (not suitable for volatile elements)
      Closed vessel acid dissolution method (increase pressure and temperature to improve digestion efficiency)
      Microwave digestion (high-efficiency digestion technology using microwave energy)
Fusion Method: Geological and Metallurgical Samples
Matrix separation: complex matrix samples
Chromatography: Speciation Analysis
Electrothermal Evaporation: Can be used to remove solvent (matrix) and increase analyte concentration

Commonly used reagents:
Nitric acid HNO3: Very high purity grades are available. For digestion of various substances, such as metals, alloys, biological samples. Acids are preferred for ICP-MS digestion because polyatomic ions are not added.

Hydrochloric acid HCl: Acid commonly used for sample digestion. Polyatomic ions related to Cl are produced. It can be evaporated to dryness in nitric acid.

Hydrofluoric acid HF: used to digest samples of silicon-containing substances. HF corrodes glass and an inert injection system must be used.

Hydrogen peroxide H2O2: Strong oxidant, used in digestion with other acids. Useful in ICP-MS digestions with background values similar to water.