Negative-ion mode in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

The use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); in the negative-ion mode has been investigated. General operational instrument conditions have been defined and found to be similar to the positive-ion mode as far as flow-rates are concerned. Individual ion optics bias potential settings have been found to differ from their positive-ion mode counterparts. Results for peak assignments by sampling solutions of HCl, CsCl and NaBr are presented and Na⁺ and Ar⁺ interferences are demonstrated. The effect of high salt and acid concentrations on the analysed signals are discussed.