Issue 6, 2022

A novel solution cathode glow discharge geometry for improved coupling to optical emission spectrometry

Abstract

The Solution-Cathode Glow-Discharge (SCGD) is an atmospheric pressure glow discharge used for atomic emission spectrometry that is typically sustained between a metallic pin-anode and a liquid cathode, wherein sample solutions are introduced as a flowing stream emanating from a cylindrical capillary. A novel SCGD is reported here which sustains the SCGD plasma in a horizontal arrangement between a flat anode and a cathode constructed from a thin, rectangular capillary. This new arrangement creates a sheet-like plasma in which the negative glow of the SCGD approximates the shape of the entrance slit of a spectrophotometer, improving the efficiency of optical sampling. The analytical capability of the horizontal cathode SCGD is compared with a conventional SCGD and found to improve sensitivity and decrease limits of detection as much as 33-times for the 24 elements examined. Improvement is particularly significant for elements whose atomic emission is concentrated near the liquid cathode surface. The current/voltage characteristics and spatial distribution of atomic emission of the SCGD are reported, matrix effects associated with the design are examined, and a simple preconcentration technique for ground water analysis is also explored.

Graphical abstract: A novel solution cathode glow discharge geometry for improved coupling to optical emission spectrometry

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
23 Feb 2022
Accepted
22 Apr 2022
First published
26 Apr 2022

J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2022,37, 1229-1239

Author version available

A novel solution cathode glow discharge geometry for improved coupling to optical emission spectrometry

N. Hazel, J. Orejas Ibanez and S. Ray, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2022, 37, 1229 DOI: 10.1039/D2JA00063F

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