A study of the formation of atoms and dry aerosols above a graphite rod sample introduction device used for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

In this paper we report atomic absorption measurements above a graphite rod used as an electrothermal vaporisation device for sample introduction in ICP-AES. These measurements show that volatile elements such as Cd persist as atoms for a considerable distance (90 mm) above the rod when atomised, whereas non-volatile elements (e.g., Ag and Cu) persist for relatively short distances of up to 2 cm. As atoms are highly reactive this fact has considerable implications in the design of enclosures for the apparatus. These implications are discussed with regard to possible losses of analyte to the walls of the apparatus during transport of the sample aerosol to the ICP.