Evaluation of the grid-type nebuliser for organic solvent introduction into the inductively coupled plasma

Abstract

The introduction of organic solvents into an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) has been studied. Limiting aspiration rates for various organic solvents were determined for a Hildebrand nebuliser with a mini-Pyrex spray chamber, a cooled Pyrex spray chamber and a large Pyrex spray chamber. Detection limits for metal species were determined. Linear dynamic ranges were found to be at least 3–4 orders of magnitude. Indirect solvent transport efficiencies were determined as a function of spray chamber, liquid flow-rate, spraychamber temperature and solvent. Comparisons of maximum aspiration rates, detection limits, linear dynamic ranges and solvent transport efficiencies are made between Hildebrand, cross-flow, concentric and the glass-frit nebulisers.