Diane Beauchemin, Queen’s University
Environmental and Analytical Chemistry
Professor
Kingston, Ontario
beauchmn@chem.queensu.ca
Office:
(613) 533-6000 ext. 32619
Expert In
Bio/Research
The research program aims at improving the analytical performance of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Demonstration of the applicability is made using selected environmental trace element analysis and speciation.
Fundamental studies of the plasma under various opera...
Click to Expand >>
Fundamental studies of the plasma under various opera...
Click to Expand >>
Bio/Research
The research program aims at improving the analytical performance of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Demonstration of the applicability is made using selected environmental trace element analysis and speciation.
Fundamental studies of the plasma under various operating conditions are carried out to gain a better understanding of the ICP and of the sources of the important matrix effects which are typically observed in ICP-MS. These studies include mixed-gas plasmas since, according to our previous work, they are more robust ionization sources than the argon ICP.
Alternative means of sample introduction, such as chemical vaporization and flow injection (FI) techniques, are also being investigated to reduce sample waste (typically 98% of the sample) and/or improve the capabilities of ICP-MS. These include a thorough characterization of the beneficial effect of pre-evaporating the solvent prior to its entry into the plasma. As well, new and/or improved interfaces for coupling liquid and gas chromatographies to ICP-MS are considered.
Finally, FI methods are being developed for on-line matrix removal. For instance (see set-up below), a sample is injected into a carrier and adjusted to a suitable pH with a buffer before passing through a column of silica-immobilized 8-hydroxyquinoline (I-8-HOQ) where transition metals are selectively retained but the alkalis and alkaline earths continue to waste. An eluent is injected to recover the metals in a salt-free matrix which is then nebulized. If the volume of eluent is smaller than that of the sample, a preconcentration is achieved.
Click to Shrink <<
Fundamental studies of the plasma under various operating conditions are carried out to gain a better understanding of the ICP and of the sources of the important matrix effects which are typically observed in ICP-MS. These studies include mixed-gas plasmas since, according to our previous work, they are more robust ionization sources than the argon ICP.
Alternative means of sample introduction, such as chemical vaporization and flow injection (FI) techniques, are also being investigated to reduce sample waste (typically 98% of the sample) and/or improve the capabilities of ICP-MS. These include a thorough characterization of the beneficial effect of pre-evaporating the solvent prior to its entry into the plasma. As well, new and/or improved interfaces for coupling liquid and gas chromatographies to ICP-MS are considered.
Finally, FI methods are being developed for on-line matrix removal. For instance (see set-up below), a sample is injected into a carrier and adjusted to a suitable pH with a buffer before passing through a column of silica-immobilized 8-hydroxyquinoline (I-8-HOQ) where transition metals are selectively retained but the alkalis and alkaline earths continue to waste. An eluent is injected to recover the metals in a salt-free matrix which is then nebulized. If the volume of eluent is smaller than that of the sample, a preconcentration is achieved.
Click to Shrink <<