Continuous Hydride Generation for Simultaneous Multielement Detection with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

A continuous hydride generation system is described for sample introduction to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The system allows for the simultaneous determination of hydride-forming elements with elements which do not form volatile hydrides. Detection limits for volatile hydrides show an improvement of one order of magnitude over results for conventional sample introduction employing pneumatic nebulization. Calibration plots for volatile-hydride-forming elements are linear over 2 to 3.5 orders of magnitude, and relative standard deviations are generally less than 5% over a 30-minute period. The accuracy of the technique is demonstrated by the analyses of two commercial reference materials.