Electrothermal Atomization and Surface Chemistry

在化学部分析和表面化学项目的这个项目中，Holcombe教授将使用石墨炉来研究改进痕量金属分析的方法，并研究气/固相互作用。石墨炉方法已经是检测生物和环境系统中痕量金属最灵敏的方法之一，Holcombe的工作将提高该方法的可靠性和通用性。理论计算将有助于理解所发生的化学和物理过程。在这项研究的新特点中，Holcombe将使用温度编程静态二次电离质谱法来表征炉表面作为第一溶剂，然后分析物质被汽化。将强调光谱解释和基本表面动力学数据的收集。气体动力学的蒙特卡罗计算将在一台超级计算机上进行，以将基本数据与分析信号行为的预测相结合。如果成功，超痕量定量的廉价方法将近在咫尺，它将在性能上与目前使用的昂贵得多的等离子体/质谱技术竞争。

In this project in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Holcombe will use graphite furnaces to study means of improving trace metals analysis, and also to study gas/solid interactions. Graphite furnace methods are already among the most sensitive available for detecting trace metals in biological and environmental systems, and Holcombe's work will improve the reliability and generality of the approach. Theoretical calculations will aid in understanding the chemical and physical processes occurring. Among the novel features of the research, Holcombe will use temperature-programmed static secondary ionization mass spectrometry to characterize the furnace surface as first solvent, then the analytical species are vaporized. Spectral interpretation and collection of basic surface kinetics data will be emphasized. Monte Carlo calculations of gaseous dynamics will be carried out on a supercomputer to couple the fundamental data to predictions of analytical signal behavior. If successful, inexpensive methods for ultratrace quantification will be at hand, which will compete in performance with the much more expensive plasma/mass spectrometric techniques now in use.