Basic Training 4th Annual ICP Conference

16.18 ICP-MS Measurement

Quantitative Analysis Measurement Techniques - At the beginning of the analytical day, optimize the instrument using 'optimization' standards.

• I prefer to use a 10 ppb combina=on of Mg, U, Ce, and Rh. • In addi=on, I like to op=mize the instrument to obtain 140 CeO / 140 Ce and 70 Ce +2 / 140Ce currents of < 0.5% rela=ve. • I rou=nely obtain a '=me scan' of 24 Mg, 36 Ar, 70 Ce +2 , 103 Rh, 140 Ce, 156 CeO, 230 BKG, and 238 U at the beginning of each analy=cal day. • These scans are saved and accompany the following analy=cal data. Torch alignment, sample argon (nebulizer) flow, and ion op=cs seXngs are the parameters. I most oYen change (in the order listed) in the op=miza=on process.

16.19 ICP-MS Measurement

Quan%ta%ve Analysis Measurement Techniques - Make sure the introduc%on system is clean

• I prefer using glass concentric nebulizers and cyclonic spray chambers. • I use dilute nitric acid for cleaning. • It is o8en advantageous to change the en:re introduc:on system, sipper to torch, each analy:cal day. • The sample interface cones need to be rotated each analy:cal day with cleaned cones. Cleaning the cones in a 1% solu:on of nitric acid using an ultrasonic bath for 1-2 minutes is typically all that is required. Carefully dry the cones in a drying oven before reusing