Inductive coupled plasma (ICP): Difference between revisions
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== Abstract == | == Abstract == | ||
An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is a type of plasma source in which the energy is supplied by electric currents produced by electromagnetic induction, that is, by time-varying magnetic fields.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Inductively_coupled_plasma&oldid=442486619</ref><ref>http://www.webapps.cee.vt.edu/ewr/environmental/teach/smprimer/icp/icp.html</ref> The inductively coupled plasma is used in a the high-frequency field (27 MHz) ionized gas (argon), which serves as an atomization and excitation medium for the sample. It is used in conjunction with atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) or with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It can detect very low concentrations of the analyzed elements in the sample, in the order of one millionth (ppm) or one billionth part(ppb). | |||
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
Latest revision as of 16:10, 17 December 2013
Author: Hans-Jürgen Schwarz
English Translation by Sandra Leithäuser
back to Analysis of Salts
Abstract[edit]
An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is a type of plasma source in which the energy is supplied by electric currents produced by electromagnetic induction, that is, by time-varying magnetic fields.[1][2] The inductively coupled plasma is used in a the high-frequency field (27 MHz) ionized gas (argon), which serves as an atomization and excitation medium for the sample. It is used in conjunction with atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) or with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It can detect very low concentrations of the analyzed elements in the sample, in the order of one millionth (ppm) or one billionth part(ppb).
Introduction[edit]
ICP serves to excite atoms, for example in the atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) or in coupling with a mass spectrometer. The inductively coupled plasma is an ionized gas (argon) in the high-frequency field (27 MHz). It serves as a medium for atomization and excitation of the sprayed liquid or dissolved sample. In emission spectroscopy ICP can be used with various optical and electrical systems, combined with either simultaneous or sequential multi-element spectrometers.
Principle: The ICP torch is made of three concentrically arranged tubes of quartz glass. Aerosol laden gas (i.e. gas and the analyte) flows through the inner tube. Plasma gas (usually argon) is fed into the central tube and the exterior tube directs a flow of cooling gas. Because the sample is kept inside the plasma torch for a long time and due to the high temperatures (6000- 8000 K) inside the torch, a very high state of excitation is achieved. The excited atoms, (formed in the plasma) emit light with a characteristic wavelength, which is registered as emission spectrum.
ICP emission spectroscopy is a powerful analytical method that enhances atomic absorption spectroscopy, but cannot replace it completely.
Abbildung: Messanordung eines Emissions –Spektrometers (oben) und ICP-Anregung [3]
Advantages:
- Matrix effects (e.g. falsified blanks and changing measurement sensitivities by solvents that act similarly to the analyte or interact with the analyte) are significantly lower in the ICP than in the AAS.
- ICP is largely free of chemical and ionization interference. The long- span dynamic range (4-6 orders of magnitude) allows the simultaneous determination of major and minor components and traces. Therefore a large number of elements can be quickly determined.
- In the study of salts or salt-forming ions, this method is particularly useful for determining K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+.
Disadvantage:
- Anions cannot be detected.
- Not a non-destructive method.