SAMPLE INTRODUCTION USING THE HILDEBRAND GRID NEBULIZER FOR PLASMA SPECTROMETRY

• Main Author: BROTHERTON, TIMOTHY JOSEPH
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Subjects: chemistry, analytical

The Hildebrand grid nebulizer is evaluated for use with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) detection.
Limiting aspiration rates for various organic solvents were determined for the grid nebulizer with a mini-pyrex spray chamber, a cooled spray chamber and a conical spray chamber. Detection limits and linear dynamic ranges were determined for various species. Indirect solvent transport efficiencies were determined as a function of spray chamber, flow rate, temperature and solvent. A comparison was made between the grid, cross-flow, concentric and glass frit.
Three interfaces for volatile organic solvents used to couple Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) with ICP-OES detection were evaluated. Detection limits, linear dynamic ranges, precision, and peak width were determined for elements in methanol and acetonitrile solutions.
The grid nebulizer was evaluated for ICP-OES use with high dissolved salt solutions. Analytical figures of merit determined were stability, precision, detection limits, clogging, memory effects, use with acid digested samples and linear dynamic ranges.
Aqueous, high dissolved salt, urine and volatile organic solvents were introduced with the grid nebulizer for ICP/MS detection. Optimization studies of ICP power, plasma sampling position and nebulizer flow were performed. Detection limits of elements in various matrices were determined. Ionization suppression effects as a function of concomitant elements were studied.