Demountable direct injection high efficiency nebulizer for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Direct solution introduction using conventional nebulizers with a short torch for plasma mass spectrometry

“…An intermediate gas flow rate of 1.25 L/min is used for all solution flow rates studied (5-100 μL/min). In all cases, maximum sensitivities are achieved at a high RF power (1500 W, maximum available), similar to previous results for other direct injection nebulizers [14,25,28]. In contrast to prior studies with the DIHEN [14], the outer gas flow rate has a significant effect on signal intensity.…”

“…While this drawback has been overcome through the use of a large bore-DIHEN (LB-DIHEN) [25][26][27], analytical performance is reduced due to the larger average droplet size of the primary aerosol. A low-cost, demountable-DIHEN (d-DIHEN) was recently introduced [28] that provides similar or improved analytical performance compared to the DIHEN along with replaceable components. The d-DIHEN allows tuning of the solution capillary position with respect to the nebulizer tip to enhance analytical performance at very low solution uptake rates (< 40μL/min).…”

Sample introduction systems for the analysis of liquid microsamples by ICP-AES and ICP-MS

“…In contrast, aerosols generated by the LB-DIHEN had lower average velocities than those produced by the DIHEN, thus increasing the analyte residence time in the plasma. In general, it can be said that the former device provided lower ICP-MS sensitivities [249] and more severe matrix effects [234] than the latter one. Furthermore, the precision reached with the LB-DIHEN was worse than that afforded by a pneumatic nebulizer coupled to a spray chamber [224].…”

“…However, if this variable was too low (i.e., < 0.17 l/min) a drop in the signal was observed that was attributed to the generation of coarse droplets [247]. More recently, an adjustment vernier has been used in order to precisely modify the position of the liquid capillary [249]. In this case, the nebulizer dead volume is just 11 µl and it is not necessary to use any special Table 2 oxide ratios than the conventional one, likely due to the fineness of the aerosols produced, (see Table 4).…”

“…The latest studies performed with a demountable DIHEN have been very promising. Better results are expected to be obtained with a nebulizer having reduced dimensions and liquid flow rates on the order of several nl/min [249]. In fact, theoretically, a device close to the ideal one would be a robust direct injection nebulizer able to provide micrometric or sub-micrometric droplets.…”