Glassy carbon tubes in electrothermal atomisation-atomic-absorption spectrometry

Abstract

Preliminary results are presented on the use of glassy carbon tubes of standard dimensions for electrothermal atomisation - atomic-absorption spectrometry. In comparison with pyrolytically coated graphite tubes, the glassy carbon tubes show similar limits of detection provided that the same atomisation temperature can be realised. Glassy carbon tubes promise the following advantages: more uniform heating; resistance against chemical attack; a life-time of several thousands firings; and a remarkably constant sensitivity.