Evaluation of an ultrasonic nebulizer for sample introduction in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

A low cost ultrasonic nebulizer has been designed using a forced air cooling method. The performance of this ultrasonic nebulizer in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry has been evaluated and compared with a concentric nebulizer and a glass frit nebulizer. Higher signal-to-background ratios have been achieved for the ultrasonic nebulizer compared with the concentric and glass frit nebulizers. Detection limits and sensitivity have been improved by approximately one and two orders of magnitude, respectively. In addition, the response time of the ultrasonic nebulizer is comparable to those of the other types of nebulizers studied; a relative standard deviation of 3–5% for the ultrasonic nebulizer. Tests were also conducted to determine the effects of a high matrix sample such as synthetic ocean water.