Sensitivity improvement in ICP MS analysis of fuels and light petroleum matrices using a microflow nebulizer and heated spray chamber sample introduction

Talanta. 2009 Dec 15;80(2):1039-43. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2009.08.017. Epub 2009 Aug 22.

Abstract

Reasons for signal suppression during the analysis of light petroleum matrices by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) were examined. A decrease of the ionization efficiency of the plasma was found to be the principal factor responsible for this loss of sensitivity. Consequently, an interface based on a total consumption micronebulizer and a heated spray chamber was constructed to alleviate this problem. A method based on flow-injection ICP MS using this interface was developed for the direct multielement analysis of undiluted fuels (gasoline, kerosene) and gas condensates offering an increase in sensitivity by at least a factor of 3-4 in comparison with the existing setups.

MeSH terms

  • Gasoline / analysis*
  • Kerosene / analysis*
  • Mass Spectrometry / instrumentation
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Metals / analysis
  • Molybdenum / chemistry
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers
  • Petroleum / analysis*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Gasoline
  • Kerosene
  • Metals
  • Petroleum
  • Molybdenum