Single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using ammonia reaction gas as a reliable and free-interference determination of metallic nanoparticles

Intensive production of nanomaterials, especially metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), and their release into the environment pose several risks for humans and ecosystem health. Consequently, high-efficiency analytical methodologies are required for control and characterization of these emerging pollutants. Single-particle inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a promising technique which allows the determination and characterization of MNPs. However, several elements or isotopes are hampered by spectral interferences, and dynamic-reaction cell (DRC) technology is becoming a useful tool for free interference determination by ICP-MS. DRC-based SP-ICP-MS methods using ammonia as a reaction gas (either on-mass approach or mass-shift approaches) have been developed for determining titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The effects of parameters such as ammonia flow rate and dwell time on the peak width (NP transient signal in SP-ICP-MS) were comprehensively studied. Influence of NP size and nature were also investigated.

Automated summary

Intensive production and release of nanomaterials pose risks to human and ecosystem health. Efficient analytical methods are needed to control and characterize these pollutants. Single-particle inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a promising technique for determining and characterizing metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), but spectral interferences can occur. Dynamic-reaction cell (DRC) technology is becoming a useful tool to overcome these interferences.