Optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) with inductively coupled argon plasma is the method of choice if you want to perform elemental analysis over almost the entire periodic table (up to 60 elements) and detection limits in the order of 1 – 100 ppm.
ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry) is an analytical technique for the determination and quantification of trace elements in various sample types such as metals, soils, water, biological materials and industrial products. It is widely used in environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical, mining and metallurgy industries and food safety.
How ICP-OES works:
- Sample preparation and introduction:
- The sample, usually in liquid form, is introduced into the system via a nebulizer, which converts it into a fine aerosol.
- Plasma generation:
- The aerosol is introduced into a high-temperature argon plasma (6.000-10.000 °C) generated by inductively coupled radio frequency coils. This plasma ionizes the sample by breaking it down into atoms and ions.
- Excitation and emission:
- The excited atoms and ions emit light at specific wavelengths that are characteristic of each element.
- Optical detection:
- The emitted light is split by a diffraction grating and detected by photomultipliers or semiconductor detectors. The intensity of the light is proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample.
Advantages of ICP-OES:
- Multielement analysis: Simultaneous analysis of multiple elements.
- High sensitivity: Detection of trace elements down to the ppb range (parts per billion).
- Large dynamic range: Suitable for samples with low to high concentrations.
