Characterization and Optimization of Atomic Spectrometric Processes and Techniques

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This project is in the general area of analytical and surface chemistry and in the subfield of atomic spectroscopy. The goal of this experimental activity is the enhancement of the sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and degree of utility of atomic spectrometric analysis. To this end, three thrusts are being pursued. First, techniques that were developed by Professor Hieftje under NSF grant CHE-8320053 are being employed to elucidate the mechanism of solute particle vaporization and atom formation in flames and plasmas of the type used for multielement analysis. Clarification of these events can be expected to reduce interelement interferences caused by incomplete vaporization. In a second thrust, rare-gas plasmas are being studied in an effort to determine how they are responsible for excitation of atoms and ions introduced into them. Particular emphasis is being placed upon understanding the characteristics of electrons in such discharges and the role that the electrons play in transferring plasma energy to analyte atoms and ions. Finally, fundamental investigations that are aimed at a better understanding of how interferences arise in plasma-source mass spectrometry are being pursued. In aggregate, these studies should give rise to improved atomic spectroscopic methods of analysis and a better understanding of fundamental processes that take place in rare-gas plasmas. This, in turn, should enable the broader, more efficient use of the inductively coupled plasma as a source element in chemical instrumentation.