Typical Performance of the Thermo Scientific iCAP RQ ICP-MS for Ultratrace Elemental AnalysisKey WordsElemental Analysis, iCAP RQ ICP-MS, Interface, Typical Performance

IntroductionTrace elemental analysis techniques are used for the identification and quantification of elements in a wide variety of samples. Since ICP-MS is a technique with high sensitivity and specificity, it is typically used in applications where the lowest limits of detection are required.

The Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ RQ ICP-MS was developed around the three key principles of “Simplicity”, “Productivity” and “Robustness” in order to meet with real user requirements. Minimized maintenance and exceptional, user friendly design resolve the problems faced everyday by routine labs. Simple, intuitive workflows facilitate implementation of new applications to cover the most pressing and changing analytical requirements. This note demonstrates the typical performance and describes the key technical information of the iCAP RQ ICP-MS.

TECHNICAL NOTE

TN

43359

Flexible interface design for a wide range of applicationsA unique interface design delivers a simple and cost effective way to tailor the instrument to the application requirement. Three interchangeable inserts adapt the system to the needs of matrix resistance and absolute sensitivity:

• The “Robust” 4.5 mm insert provides exceptional matrix tolerance, minimizes drift and reduces the frequency of cleaning. This insert is ideal for the long-term analysis of dirty or high matrix samples in routine industrial and environmental applications.

• Supplied as standard, the “High Matrix” 3.5 mm insert is suited to most everyday routine sample analyses and gives the best balance between sensitivity and matrix tolerance.

• The “High Sensitivity” 2.8 mm insert offers the best signal-to-noise ratio and lowest detection limits, perfect for nanoparticle analysis, laser ablation and advanced applications.

Guaranteed Typical

STD mode

Sensitivity (kcps/ppb)

7Li 55 100

59Co 100 180

89Y 300

115In 240 385

205Tl 400

238U 330 600

Oxides (%) CeO/Ce < 2.0 < 1.8

Doubly Charged (%) Ba++/Ba+ < 3.0 < 2.5

Background (cps) m/z 4.5 < 1.0 < 0.5

Stability (% RSD)10 mins < 2.0 < 1.0

2 hrs < 3.0 < 2.0

He KED mode

Sensitivity KED (kcps/ppb) with interference reduction

59Co > 30 > 45

59Co/35Cl16O > 25

Oxides (%) CeO/Ce <0.5

Background (cps) m/z 4.5 < 0.5 < 0.2

Every iCAP RQ ICP-MS is rigorously tested to ensure it will meet the guaranteed performance levels described in the Product Specifications (PS43096) and briefly outlined in Table 1 upon installation at the end user facility. The guaranteed specifications represent the minimum standard. Typically, however, the iCAP RQ ICP-MS performance far exceeds the minimum requirements, as described in Table 1 and illustrated in Figure 1.

Table 1. Guaranteed and typical performance of the iCAP RQ ICP-MS with the default High Matrix interface, in both STD and He KED measurement modes.

N.B. Typical performance values displayed are obtained in a 2% HNO3, 0.5% HCl matrix (dependent on cleanliness of chemicals) and are not demonstrated during installation.

7Li

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

059Co 89Y 115In

AnalyteIn

tens

ity (k

cps/

ppb)

205TI 238U

Robust InterfaceHigh Matrix InterfaceHigh Sensitivity Interface

Figure 1. Typical mass response for the range of inserts in STD mode. N. B. Sensitivities are not abundance corrected.

Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ ISDS Software for simple set-up and operation Dedicated measurement modes matched to the insert type are provided, by default, in the Qtegra ISDS Software and enable a quick start up for any lab. Autotunes that are specific to each measurement mode optimize key parameters such as nebulizer gas flow, extraction lens voltage and collision cell conditions to ensure the best results and provide consistent performance, independent of user skill level.

Intelligent grouping of the measurement modes, ensures an automated update of source-specific parameters across the group, eliminating the need to retune individual measurement modes or manually copy instrument settings from one mode to another.

Robust High Matrix High Sensitivity

Unique interface designed for maximum coverage of sensitivity and dynamic range

Channel length 4.5 mm 3.5 mm 2.8 mm

Easily implemented through dedicated grouping and autotunes in the software

STDR KEDR CCTR

STD KED CCT

STDS KEDS CCTS

Figure 2. User interchangeable inserts with respective measurement mode groups.

[[[ [[[Expect more performance with flexible mass response intensityAbsolute sensitivity is a key requirement in many advanced applications, including laser ablation, speciation and nanoparticle analysis. When the maximum signal-to-noise ratio is required, the High Sensitivity insert delivers the best detection power across the entire mass range. Figure 3 demonstrates the high sensitivity ( > 900 kcps/ppb U) and ultralow detection limit (< 1 pg·L-1) for 238U using the High Sensitivity insert.

Figure 3. Calibration of 238U at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 ng·L-1 using the High Sensitivity (2.8 mm) insert.

Find out more at thermofisher.com/ICP-MS

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. © 2016 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified. TN43359-EN 0916

ConclusionUnique customizable interfaces for the iCAP RQ ICP-MS enable a fast and simple way to tailor the instrument’s performance to the application need, by balancing matrix tolerance and sensitivity. The Robust interface was specifically designed for minimal drift during long-term analyses of high matrix samples, such as those that fall under the requirements of EPA method 6020 for solid wastes. The High Sensitivity interface provides higher detection power for more advanced applications, such as nanoparticle characterization via spICP-MS analysis or laser ablation, both of which require better detection limits than most routine applications.

The simple design and easy accessibility of the cones allow operators to exchange inserts in less than a minute. Dedicated measurement mode groups ensure reproducible set up with just a few mouse clicks, enabling laboratories to expand analytical capabilities and handle different applications with ease and accuracy.

For applications that demand more rugged conditions, the innovative Robust insert improves productivity for long-term analysis of environmental and industrial high matrix samples (Figure 4) by enabling longer analysis time with reduced cleaning. Due to the attenuated signal and powerful matrix tolerance of this insert, % level matrix elements in the sample can be measured and quantified along with trace analytes, reducing the need for sample dilution.

Figure 4. 12 hours internal standard recovery in a drinking water matrix spiked with 100 ppm Ca. All samples were analyzed according to EPA Method 200.8.