In ICP-MS, an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) uses argon gas plasma to decompose the sample into its constituent atoms or singly-charged ions.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a highly sensitive elemental analysis technique that determines trace (ppb and ppt) and major concentrations of the sample elements. While it is used to determine trace multi-elemental and isotopic concentrations in liquid, solid, and gaseous samples, it is most frequently used for total quantification of trace metal analysis in liquid samples. It is a high-resolution technique for the quantitative analysis and speciation studies of materials, from superalloys to high-purity materials in a wide range of industries from semiconductors, geology, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, oil & gas, food, and agriculture.
In ICP-MS, an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) uses argon gas plasma to decompose the sample into its constituent atoms or singly-charged ions. These ions are then directed to the mass spectrometer (MS), where they are separated based on the ion’s mass to charge ratio (m/z), and each mass range is filtered sequentially. The electron multiplier detects the ions, and mass spectra are displayed. The concentration of the elements is determined by comparing the intensity of the ion signal with the standards.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Common Uses
- Measurement of trace elements in the biological samples
- Determination of toxic elements in the food samples
- Monitoring of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium in pharmaceutical products
- Maximizing wafer production by ultralow detection of elemental impurities in chemicals and materials
- Analysis of halogenated volatile organic compounds released in seawater samples
- Quantification of multiple elements present in pesticide mixture
Advantages
- Short analysis time
- Very low detection limit (0.0005-1.0ppb)
- Dynamic measuring range of over several orders of magnitude
- Able to measure multiple elements (up to 70) in a single analysis
- Able to detect the composition of the isotopes in complex geological and environmental samples
- Polyatomic isobaric interference signals can be eliminated using pressurized collision cells and reaction chambers
- Able to act as a selective detector in hyphenated techniques
Limitations
- Multiple high-purity gases are required for the analysis
- High operating and maintenance cost of the equipment
- High purity grade reagents must be used
- Formation of polyatomic interferences through interactions of the carrier gas, entrained atmospheric gases, and sample components
Industries
- Pharmaceuticals
- Additive Manufacturing
- Advanced Materials
- Mining and Minerals
- Semiconductors
- Semiconductors
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Laboratories
- Galbraith Laboratories, Inc.
- EAG Laboratories Inc.
- NJ Labs
- Intertek
- Laboratory Testing, Inc.
- Smithers
- Pacific Bio Labs
- Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research
- VHG Labs, Inc.
- Lucideon group
- NAMSA
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