Sample introduction studies with a graphite rod electrothermal vaporiser for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

Transport efficiency, ε_d, measurements made with a graphite rod electrothermal vaporiser (ETV) used for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) are shown to fall within the range 30–70% for most elements. These values are much higher than the ε_n values of 0.5–2% typically found with conventional pneumatic nebulisers and spray chambers. The elements studied are Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn. The effects of matrix modification reagents on ε_d values are discussed. Comparisons are also made between atomic emission signals, obtained using graphite rod sample introduction and those obtained using conventional pneumatic nebulisation. Possible correlations between transport efficiencies and the particle size data obtained by electron microscopy are discussed.