Since the early 80’s, ICP-MS has been evolving to overcome analytical challenges. The last decade has brought the most drastic changes to date. From more efficient interference management techniques to high matrix tolerance, focusing on achieving unbiased analysis. These changes have made ICP-MS the instrument of choice for metal analysis in most laboratories. In 2012, the introduction of the triple Quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-MS/MS) expanded our ability to tackle the most complex analytical challenges in practically every application type. Numerous enhancements to our analytical workflow were introduced, specifically, the ability to utilize MS/MS with unit mass resolution (1 amu) offering unprecedented controlled chemical reactions with superior abundance sensitivity both of which were never possible in ICP-MS history. Two main modes are used for removal of polyatomic interferences in ICP-MS. Kinetic energy discrimination (KED) uses He gas to collide and attenuate the kinetic energy of the larger polyatomic molecules, thereby preventing their entrance to the mass analyzer by applying a potential bias. The second mode of interference removal, relies on chemical reaction. Introducing a reactive gas (NH3, O2, etc.) will allow for interference removal by a simple charge transfer or by mass-shifting the analyte of interest from its isobaric interference. The latter option is effectively done by using the MS/MS with unit mass resolution, allowing only a single m/z to enter the cell. In this presentation, we will explore the technological advancements of triple quadrupole ICP-MS by highlighting analytical performance in multiple complex matrices. We will demonstrate the benefits of MS/MS capability with unit mass resolution and abundance sensitivity bring to the analytical community.

Advances to inorganic mass spectrometry with MS/MS technology

254th National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.