Investigation of small volume cloud chambers for use in inductively coupled plasma nebulisation

Abstract

The characteristics of three small volume cloud chambers, constructed with the aim of reducing sample wash-in and wash-out times in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry were investigated, and compared with the characteristics of a commercially available 110-ml double-barrel type cloud chamber. Analytical performance was evaluated with respect to drainage, nebulisation efficiency, sensitivity, precision, detection limits, wash-in and wash-out times and the evaluation of volatilisation interferences from phosphate and aluminium on calcium, as well as the effect of sodium on calcium emission intensity.