Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), also known as ICP-atomic emission spectroscopy, stands out as the preferred technique for a wide range of applications requiring elemental analysis in diverse fields. From environmental and metallurgical to geological, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, materials, and food safety domains, ICP-OES excels in providing accurate elemental content analysis. This versatile method accommodates various sample types, including aqueous and organic liquids, as well as solids. Specific sample preparation techniques or the utilization of dedicated accessories may be necessary for certain sample types to facilitate their introduction into the ICP-OES instrument.
ICP-OES offers distinct advantages compared to other elemental analysis techniques like Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) or Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). These advantages include a broad linear dynamic range, high matrix tolerance, and accelerated analysis speed.
What is ICP-OES?
A plasma, utilizing argon as the gas, is crucial to the ICP-OES process, containing a significant number of argon ions. The plasma formation involves introducing electrons into the argon gas passing through a plasma torch. These electrons, upon collision with argon atoms, release additional electrons, forming argon ions. Elements, in the form of atoms, are introduced into the plasma, where a portion becomes ionized. When an atom or ion within the plasma is excited, its electrons transition from a lower to a higher energy level. Upon relaxation of these electrons to their initial 'ground' state, energy is emitted in the form of photons. The wavelengths of the emitted photons are characteristic of their respective elements.