The interference standard method: evidence of principle, potentialities and limitations

Author(s)

Amais, Renata S. ^[1] ; Nobrega, Joaquim A. ^[1] ; Donati, George L. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Chem, Grp Appl Instrumental Anal, BR-13560 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Wake Forest Univ, Dept Chem, Winston Salem, NC 27109 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry; v. 29, n. 7, p. 1258-1264, 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

The interference standard (IFS) method is a calibration approach recently proposed to overcome polyatomic interference in quadrupole-based inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS). Based on the hypothesis that interfering ions and IFS species such as Ar-36(+), (ArH+)-Ar-36 and Ar-38(+) present similar behaviors in the plasma, the IFS method has successfully been applied in several analytical procedures. In this work, analytes, interfering ions and IFS species are monitored by high-resolution double focused sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-SF-ICP-MS) to achieve a better understanding of the mechanism of the IFS method. The relationship between accuracy and signal variations for interfering and IFS species is explored. Critical cases of polyatomic interference in elemental determination using quadrupole-based ICP-MS instruments, such as the ones observed for K-39(+), As-75(+), Si-28(+) and S-32(+), are evaluated. The limitations of the IFS method and the conditions under which it can be most effective are discussed. This is a simple and efficient method that could be extended to other analytical techniques provided that interfering and IFS species present similar signal behaviors. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/59083-9 - Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: fundamentals and applications
• Grantee: Joaquim de Araújo Nóbrega
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 10/17387-7 - Assessment of spectroanalytical techniques and sample preparation procedures for the determination of sulfur in biodiesel and diesel blends
• Grantee: Renata Stábile Amais
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 12/00920-0 - Evaluation of inductively coupled plasma high resolution mass spectrometry for sulfur determination in biodiesel and blends
• Grantee: Renata Stábile Amais
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate