Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Lauren HuangPeriod 4

Overview• Purpose

• History

• Procedures– Steps– Video

• Applications

• Questions Figure 1. Inside of an ICP-MS machine.http://www.wcaslab.com/tech/tbicpms.htm

PurposeTo determine the concentration of trace elements in a sample with high sensitivity.

Figure 2. Analyzable elements.http://www.perkinelmer.com/PDFs/Downloads/tch_icpmsthirtyminuteguide.pdf

History• Mass spectrometry

• Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)

• Interference

Figure 3. Absorption and Emission Spectra.http://socphysics.blogspot.com/2010/08/hydrogen-emission-and-absorption.html

Steps: Introduction of the Sample

• Nebulizer: Liquid to aerosol

• Laser ablation: Solid to vapor

Figure 4. Laser ablation.http://www.appliedspectra.com/technology/LIBS.html

Steps: Atomization & Ionization• Argon plasma (6,000 - 10,000oC)

• Sample to atoms (atomization)

• Atoms to ions (ionization)

Figure 5. Argon plasma.http://www.cee.vt.edu/ewr/environmental/teach/smprimer/icpms/icpms.htm

Steps: Separation• Voltage applied to rods

• Ions removed by mass-to-charge ratio

Figure 6. Removal of ions.http://www.cee.vt.edu/ewr/environmental/teach/smprimer/icpms/icpms.htm

Steps: Detection• Dynode

• Signal amplification

Figure 7. Electron multiplier.http://www.cee.vt.edu/ewr/environmental/teach/smprimer/icpms/icpms.htm

Procedures

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1. Introduction of the sample

2. Atomization/Ionization

3. Separation

4. Detection

http://www.chem.iastate.edu/faculty/Robert_Houk/research

and Analysis

Video of Procedureshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQqtV2oiC6U&t=1m38s

Applications• Soil/water analysis

• Toxicology

• Isotopic ratios

• Radiometric dating

Figure 8. ICP-MS Machine in Use.http://departments.colgate.edu/geology/instruments/icp.htm

Figure 9. Inside of an ICP-MS machine.http://www.wcaslab.com/tech/tbicpms.htm

Questions?

Works Cited• (2010, August 14). Hydrogen Emission and Absorption Spectrum. Message

posted to http://socphysics.blogspot.com/2010/08/hydrogen-emission-and-absorption.html.

• (2010, July). Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer Lab. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from Colgate University, Colgate Geology Web site: http://departments.colgate.edu/geology/instruments/icp.htm

• Applied Spectra, Inc. (2011). What is LIBS? Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.appliedspectra.com/technology/LIBS.html.

• Houk, R. S. R. S. Houk. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from Iowa State University, Department of Chemistry Web site: http://www.chem.iastate.edu/faculty/Robert_Houk/research.

• Hunt, J. (2008, September 6). Celebrating 25 Years of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. American Laboratory.

• PerkinElmer. (2011). The 30-Minute Guide to ICP-MS. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.perkinelmer.com/PDFs/Downloads/tch_icpmsthirtyminuteguide.pdf.

• West Coast Analytical Service. Metals Analysis by ICPMS. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.wcaslab.com/tech/tbicpms.htm.

• Worley, J., & Kvech, S. ICP-MS. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.cee.vt.edu/ewr/environmental/teach/smprimer/icpms/icpms.htm.