Microplasma Mass Spectrometric Detection in Capillary Gas Chromatography

Cato Brede, Stig Pedersen-Bjergaard, Elsa Lundanes, Tyge Greibrokk

    38 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A simple and miniaturized 350-kHz helium discharge for plasma mass spectrometric detection in gas chromatography (GC) has been developed. The plasma was sustained at low pressure within the end of the capillary GC column (0.32-mm i.d.) inside the ion source housing of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. This allowed direct introduction of ions from the plasma to the mass analyzer using only a repeller and electrostatic lenses to focus the ions. The plasma was sustained in only 25 mL min-1 of helium, which was accepted by the mass spectrometer vacuum system. This low gas flow also served to enhance the energy density of the discharge and to produce a narrow spray of ions toward the mass analyzer. Due to the miniaturized nature of the plasma, it was operated at a low power level (2.0 W), and traces of oxygen were added to avoid deposition of carbon. With this new concept for GC plasma mass spectrometric detection, chlorine was successfully monitored down to the 2.2 pg s-1 level without interference from elements like C, S, P, O, F, and N.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalAnalytical Chemistry
    Volume70
    Issue number3
    Pages (from-to)513-518
    Number of pages6
    ISSN0003-2700
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 1998

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