Evaluation of different nebulizers and spray chambers for the on-line coupling of ion chromatography with ICP-OES

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate nebulization devices and spray chambers used to couple ion chromatography with ICP-OES. In this prospect, the chromatographic performances for the separation of Cr(III), Cd(II), Ga(III) and Fe(III) were compared for all the nebulizers and chambers tested. In fact, the choice of a suitable interfacing device is mainly dictated by its sensitivity. However, this study shows that chromatographic efficiency could also be important. The results indicate that the difference in volume between the conventional and miniaturized cyclonic chambers is not critical with respect to extra-column band broadening for the case of classical columns. So, the conventional chamber, which presented the highest sensitivities and limits of detection, was selected. However, the study of five nebulizers, a conventional pneumatic concentric nebulizer and four micronebulizers, showed that they influenced the number of theoretical plates more. The Aspire micronebulizer presented the highest sensitivities, detection limits and chromatographic efficiencies and was recommended for microchromatography. However, the pneumatic concentric nebulizer exhibited better performances at 1 mL min⁻¹.