Detection of nanoparticles by single-particle ICP-MS with complete transport efficiency through direct nebulization at few-microlitres-per-minute uptake rates
Résumé
Measurement of nanoparticle (NP) concentration and size by single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) usually requires the use of a NP reference material to determine the loss of NPs and/or ions during their transport from the sample solution to the detection system. The determination of this loss, qualified as nebulization efficiency (ηNebulization) and/or transport efficiency (ηTransport), is time-consuming, costly and lacks reliability. Nebulization of the NPs directly into the plasma (without a spray chamber) results in ηNebulization = 100% and is thus a promising strategy to avoid these calibration steps. In this work, we used the μ-dDIHEN introduction system: a demountable direct injection high-efficiency nebulizer (dDIHEN) hyphenated to a flow-injection valve and a gas displacement pump. For the first time with a continuous flow nebulizer, complete transport efficiency was reached (i.e. ηTransport = 100%). Operated at a very low uptake rate (as low as 8 μL min−1), the μ-dDIHEN accurately and reproducibly determined average diameters of Au-, Ag- and Pt-NPs, in full agreement with their reference values. It was also successfully tested for Au-NPs in complex matrices, such as surface waters. spICP-MS analyses with the μ-dDIHEN sample introduction system only require a dissolved standard calibration to determine NP average diameter (dNPs in nm) and number concentration (NNPs) from a simplified set of equations.
Domaines
Chimie analytique
Fichier principal
Tharaud2020_uDIHEN.pdf (1.25 Mo)
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Tharaud2020_udDIHEN_SI.pdf (24.98 Mo)
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