Publication details
Laser-Assisted Introduction of Nanoparticles to ICP MS
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2017 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Introduction Because of their rapid uptake, unknown distribution pathways and potential interactions in biological systems, nanoparticles (NPs) present a growing concern of environmental scientific community. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP MS) has become and established tool for NP detection and characterization. In this contribution, we report a new sample introduction technique of NPs to SP-ICP MS. Methods Suspension of hundreds gold or silver NPs in 200 nL droplets is deposited and dried on a strongly absorbing plastic plate (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), which is ablated with 213 nm laser (UP 213, New Wave Research) at a relatively low fluence (~0.2 J·cm-2). The generated aerosol is delivered to an ICP quadrupole mass spectrometer (7500 CE, Agilent Technologies). Results and conclusions The technique substrate-assisted laser desorption (SALD) was originally developed for analysis of sub-microliter volumes of dissolved inorganic species. We demonstrate that individual intact NPs can be efficiently desorbed from the plastic surface with the UV laser. SALD ICP MS was validated using well characterized, reference gold NPs. Experimental conditions, such as the laser fluence, sample scan rate, carrier gas type and flow rate were carefully optimized to maximize transport efficiency and NP signal. The transport efficiency exceeded 60 % under optimal conditions. A portion of NPs is shown to disintegrate at higher laser fluence (~6 J·cm-2). Quantification of NP number concentration and determination of NP size in other samples was performed. The results were compared with those obtained using the conventional nebulizer SP-ICP MS. |
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