Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in atomic spectrometry and related techniques

Abstract

This review of 140 references covers developments in ‘Atomic Spectrometry’ published in the twelve months from November 2017 to November 2018 inclusive. It covers atomic emission, absorption, fluorescence and mass spectrometry, but excludes material on speciation and coupled techniques which is included in a separate review. It should be read in conjunction with the previous review and the other related reviews in the series. A critical approach to the selection of material has been adopted, with only novel developments in instrumentation, techniques and methodology being included. No single area of research has generated a large number of publications this review period, with novel developments distributed over a range of fields. Most prominent perhaps, have been the novel instrumental developments in LIBS, such as the hybrid RAMAN/LIBS instruments for remote sensing and phase selective (PS)-LIBS for the analysis of nano-particles. The use of the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), originally developed as a compact excitation/ionisation source has now found application for sample digestion, vapour generation and analyte trapping, reflecting the move towards more portable and integrated systems for field applications. The range of non-radiogenic, heavier isotopes amenable to isotope ratio analysis continues to expand, with Te now included in their number.