Key Steps to Create a Sample Preparation Strategy for Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) or ICP–Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Analysis

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is a well-known source for atomic spectroscopy, either using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) or mass spectrometry (MS) as a detection technique. The high energy and temperatures in an ICP (typically between 6,000 to 8,000 °C) lead to an efficient and complete decomposition of the sample as well as the vaporization, excitation, and possibly ionization of atoms in their gas phase. The high temperature of the plasma makes this source inherently robust and tolerant to a wide variety of sample types (such as solutions containing an elevated percentage of dissolved solids, different acids, and organic solvents). However, inadequate sample preparation, or inappropriate configuration of the sample introduction system, can have negative consequences such as drift of the analytical signal, increased backgrounds, inadequate detection limits, or unexpected interferences. This tutorial highlights the most important steps necessary for creating a trouble-free sample preparation workflow for elemental analysis.