Thermospray nebulizer as sample introduction technique for microwave plasma torch atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

A thermospray nebulizer was used as a sample introduction device for microwave plasma torch (MPT) atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Experimental parameters, including the power supplied to the MPT, the flow rates of support and carrier gases, the observation height, the sample uptake rate, the thermospray working temperature, the temperature of the aerosol spray chamber and cooling water were optimized. Under optimum conditions, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 10 measurements for 21 elements is in the range 0.3-2.0%. The detection limits were improved in comparison with the ultrasonic nebulizer as sample introduction technique for MPT-AES. The inclusion of 20% methanol into the MPT showed there is no effect on the stability of MPT discharge. The technique can thus be held to have the potential for interface to reverse-phase HPLC systems. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.