Understanding the Principle and Structure of ICP MS

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry is used for evaluating the presence of trace metals in the samples. Its high levels of precision allow the detection of a wide range of elements. ICP MS takes an analytical approach towards elemental analysis, which is validated to detect and measure the content of all elements within the periodic table.

The technique is valuable for testing food-grade materials to measure the levels of both toxic and nutritional elements, to analyze the toxicity and deficiency of the same. It is also used across multiple industries for various applications, which we will briefly discuss in this article.

Origin and History of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

ICP MS was invented in 1980 by A.L. Gray, R.S. Houk, et al. It has been commercially used since 1983 across multiple industries for the detection and content measurement of trace elements even at the lowest levels with absolute accuracy.

The semiconductor industry rightfully deserves a special mention in this respect as the technique has been most extensively used as quality control for high-purity elements. Over the years, the apparatus that enables ICP-MS has evolved alongside the rapid technological advancements and these days owing to such high-end equipment the technique has become more sophisticated, with enhanced levels of precision and accuracy in the deduction.

In recent times, with experts believing that the technique can be instrumental in analysing the trace elements of hazardous metals, ICP-MS is also used to improve drainage and environmental conditions.

The Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry comes backed by the following salient features:

Ability to analyse multiple elements at the same time.
Ensures high sensitivity in analysis of even the lower detection limits of the majority of the elements in the periodic table.
Has an eight-figure dynamic range.
Quick analysis and determination of element quantity and quality.
Ability to draw a comparison of isotopes.

It’s due to these essential characteristics that the technique is being held in such high regards in the study and detection of elements across multiple areas of application, ranging from academia to environmental and industrial analysis.

Principle behind ICP-MS

The ICP-MS pairs the use of an Inductively Coupled Plasma with a Mass Spectrophotometer to execute the elemental analysis via ionic generation. The Inductively Coupled Plasma is used to generate high-temperature plasma at 10,000 degree Celsius. The sample (pre-treated) is then passed through the plasma source.

The high-temperature levels cause the elements within the sample to get ionized. It is then further directed into the Mass Spectrophotometer. The Mass Spectrometer takes the process forward by sorting the ions within the sample as per the mass or charge ratio. The following step involves introducing the same into the electron-multiplier tube detector, which quantifies and determines every ion present in the sample.

Structure of ICP-MS

Now, let’s come to the fundamental structure of an ICP MS apparatus, which has been elaborated in the following steps:

Inductively Coupled Plasma is ideal as an ionization source for MS (mass spectrometry) with its ability to ionize more than 90% of most of the elements in the periodic table.
ICP-generated ions are passed through an interface for sampling into the unit for mass analysis.
The interface for the ICP has two metallic cones, which are the skimmer cone with an orifice radius of 0.5mm to 1 mm, and a sampling cone with the same orifice radius.
It also has a rotary gear pump that ventilates between the two cones under high Pa condition.
The direction of the ions within the sample is extracted via the sampling and skimmer cones and then passes through the ion lens within the mass spectrophotometer.
Both the MS and the ion lens are rapidly ventilated using the turbo-molecular pump.

In the end, the ions in the elements get detected and sorted by the ion detector as per the respective mass with the help of the MS (mass spectrophotometer). The common applications of the ICP MS technique include environmental sample analysis, food and water, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, diagnostic purposes (blood, serum, and urine etc.), soil analysis, and more.

The present versions of the equipment that comprises and fulfils all that’s mentioned above, are available in advanced configurations and features that make the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the elements in a sample easier and faster while maintaining high levels of accuracy.

About Analytik Jena

“AJ Instruments India Pvt. Ltd.” is a 100% owned subsidiary company of Analytik Jena AG in India. The company represents both the Analytical Instrumentation and Life Science solutions businesses of the parent company in the assigned geography. The company has a demo and applications center in the Delhi office with applications and training services supported by well-trained experts in the respective topics.

Website: https://www.analytik-jena.in/

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References

https://analytik-jena.medium.com/a-guide-to-the-principle-of-icp-ms-and-its-applications-e6c81b7d7662

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