Applicability of a radiofrequency powered glow discharge for the direct solids analysis of non-conducting materials by atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

Radiofrequency (r.f.) powered glow discharge atomic emission spectrometry is demonstrated to be a potentially useful technique for the elemental analysis of electrically conductive and non-conductive solids. As opposed to the direct current glow discharge, the r.f. glow discharge enables the non-conductive sample to be atomised directly from the solid state without the need for prior mixing with a conductive host matrix material. Data are reported to illustrate the dependencies of emission intensity on gas pressure and discharge power, as well as the stability of the discharge. Representative atomic emission spectra of both an electrically conductive and non-conductive sample are presented to illustrate that the r.f. glow discharge provides good atomisation efficiency for both sample types.