Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/14/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS-2
2. Interferences in ICPMS2.1 Mass spectral
interferences
Skoog et al., 1999, Instrumental Analysis
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
2.1.1 Isobaric overlapIsobaric interferences are due to two elements that have isotopes having substantially the same mass.
Quadrupole instruments: differ in mass by less one unit.
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Generally Most elements in the periodic table have one (e.g. 59Co),
two (e.g. Sm, Samarium), or even three (e.g. Sn) isotopes that are free from isobaric overlap.
An isobaric interference occurs with the most abundant (sad!) and thus the most sensitive isotope, e.g. the very large peak for 40Ar+ overlaps the peak for the most abundant calcium isotope 40Ca+ (97%) making it is necessary to use the second most abundant isotope 44Ca+ (2.1%).
Isotopes with odd masses are free from overlap, while with even masses are not.
No isobaric peak interferences below 36 m/z.
Isobaric overlaps are exactly predictable!
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
2.1.2 PolyatomicPolyatomic ion interferences result from interactions between species in the plasma and species in matrix or atmosphere.
Argon, hydrogen and oxygen are the dominant species present in the plasma and these may combine with each other or
With elements from the analyte matrix or The major elements present in the solvents or acid
used during sample preparation (e.g. N, S. and Cl)
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Vandercasteele and Block1997
??3000000
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Vandercasteele and Block1997
This type of interference is found largely at m/z values of below 82.
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Jarvis et al., 1997
Polyatomic ion peaks in both H2O2 and HNO3 are identical to those identified in de-ionized water and these media are therefore considered ideal matrices. However, the spectra in an HCl or H2SO4 matrix are more complex.
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Vandercasteele and Block, 1997
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Vandercasteele and Block, 1997
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Vandercasteele and Block, 1997
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Corrected for using a blanks Estimate the response of the interference
relative to the analyte Reduce water entering Plasma
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
2.1.3 Refractory oxide ionsRefractory oxide ions occur either as a result of incomplete dissociation of the sample matrix or from recombination in the plasma tail.
16 (MO+), 32 (MO2+) or 48 (MO3+) mass units above the M+ peak
The relative level of oxides can be predicted from the monoxide bond strength of the element concerned. Those elements with the highest oxide bond strength usually give the greatest yield of MO+ ions.
Plasma operating conditions can dramatically influence the formation of oxide ions
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Jarvis et al., 1997
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Jarvis et al., 1997
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
2.1.4. Doubly charged ions
The formation of doubly charged ion in the plasma is controlled by the second ionization energy of the element and the condition of plasma equilibrium.
Only those elements with a second ionization energy lower than the first ionization energy of Ar will undergo any significant degree of 2+ formation.
The effect of 2+ ions is two-fold: Sensitivity for the singly charged species Spectrum interferences for others
Advanced Analytical Chemistry – CHM 6157 ® Y. CAI Florida International UniversityUpdated on 9/13/2006 Chapter 3 ICPMS
Jarvis et al., 1997