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Optimal acid concentration to run on ICP-OES

noelkong

Hi all,

I am currently using the ICP-OES 5800 to run some microwave-digested samples. Since the sample digestion uses concentrated nitric acid, I would like to know what the maximum accepted %acid concentration is optimal to run in the ICP-OES? I usually use 1-5% nitric acid to prepare my standards, but the digested samples will need to be very diluted to reach 1% (which I may not see my analyte).

Thank you so much!

  • 0

    Hi, I am not familiar with the ICP-OES equipment/technique, but I use 14% nitric acid solutions all the time with ICP-MS.

    After digestion with nitric acid and dilution to 50 ml my sample solutions are 14%. With ICP-MS there are two Ni cones before the torch. Those can deteriorate after long exposure to acids. Therefore I use Pt coated cones.

    I would assume ICP-OES can handle the same acid concentrations. After all. acid digestion is a common type of sample prep.

  • 0

    Hello Noelkong,

    Bellow the internal statement. So there is no limit, however it's not recommended to go to high in concentration to avoid problems.

    Qoute:

    Apparently there is not limit in the acids/bases concentration, however as with any acid (or base), the high the concentrations the more rapidly components will degrade. This includes pump tubes, nebulizers, torches and the spray chamber. Higher acid concentrations will increase the consumption of consumables.


    There will remain significant responsibility on the customer to ensure the sample introduction system maintenance interval is consistent with the life expectancy of the components, not just for the data but the safety of the operators.

    :Quote end

    Cheers,

    Edgar

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