INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS

SPECTROMETER
(ICP-MS)
-BY
G.KALICHARANBABU
ICP-MS???
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry or ICP-MS is an
analytical technique used for elemental determinations.
• An ICP-MS combines a high-temperature ICP (Inductively
Coupled Plasma) source with a mass spectrometer.
• The ICP source converts the atoms of the elements in the
sample to ions.
• These ions are then separated and detected by the mass
spectrometer.
PRINCIPLE
• It is working under the principle of AES

• AES is the method of chemical analysis that uses the intensity of light
emitted from the flame, plasma, arc or spark at a particular
wavelength to determine the quantity of the element in the sample.
INSTRUMENTATION
2 METALLIC CONES (SAMPLER AND
SKIMMER CONE ( 0.6-1.2mm ORIFICE, AT
760 TORR) TO SEPARATE FINE DROPLETS
(1-2%)FROM LARGER ONES

USING PERISTALTIC
PUMP(1ml/min)

750-1500W
How is a Plasma formed?
Processes in the Plasma
MO+ M+ MX MX MXn M(H20)+ X-

Oxides ← Ions ← Atoms ← Gas ← Solid ← Liquid

Sample
aerosol

Recombination ← Ionisation ← Atomisation ← Vaporisation

ICP-MS Torch
Process to form Plasma
•A flow of argon gas is passed between outer and middle tube of torch
• RF power is applied to load coil producing intense electromagnetic
field
• A high-voltage spark produces free electrons
• Free electrons are accelerated by electric field
• Accelerated free electrons produce high energy collision and
ionization of Argon gas
• Self-sustaining plasma is formed at open end of quartz torch
Mass Spectrometer:
Quadrupole Mass Analyser Schematic

Only one mass has a stable trajectory

-Separation and measuring of individual ions by mass

ADVANTAGES
Elemental analysis with:
• Wide elemental coverage
• Very low detection limits(ppt /ppm)
• Fast analysis times (all elements at once)
• Simple spectra
• Isotopic information
THANK YOU