Investigations concerning the analysis of high-purity metals (Cd, Cu, Ga and Zn) by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

High resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) in combination with a micro concentric nebulizer was studied in order to evaluate its suitability for the certification of the content of trace elements in high-purity metals. About 30 trace elements (analytes) were determined using solutions of high-purity Cd, Cu, Ga and Zn. The concentration levels of these matrices were varied as an experimental parameter. HR-ICP-MS was demonstrated to be very versatile and of high analytical performance. Effects of matrix concentrations on the analytical sensitivities and on the detection limits were investigated to find out optimal working conditions and to distiguish between different sources of matrix influences on sensitivities. As an example the gallium matrix was studied to obtain information about the matrix depositions on the cones of the mass spectrometer inlet system, using scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopical methods, including Raman spectroscopy.