In analytical laboratories worldwide, every year sees more and more determinations of elemental composition. Being able to analyse for multiple elements in a single run, together with a high dynamic range, the inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) technique linked to detection by atomic optical emission spectrometry (ICP‑OES) or mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS) makes a significant contribution to the efficient generation of these analytical results.
ICP itself is a comparative method whereby results from a sample are determined against a suitable reference solution. Because ICP is usually employed for multi-element analysis, it follows that multi-element reference solutions are best used to calibrate the instrument.
Such reference solutions may be made up by the analyst from single element solutions. ROMIL PrimAg® single component solutions are ideal for this, being manufactured from high purity starting materials. The PrimAg®‑xtra certification (for stock 1000 ppm and 10,000 ppm solutions) provides concentration information on background elements enabling the analyst to apply corrections where necessary and thereby improve the measurement uncertainty.
However, the modern trend is to buy in multi-element reference solutions, saving valuable analytical skills for performing the actual analysis. These solutions are available either as stock catalogue products or as custom mixes. Both are available as ROMIL PrimAg® multi-element solutions; if a suitable stock item is not found then we welcome your enquiry for a mix for your specific application. (Indeed, many of our stock items began life as a custom mix).
Combined with our own ISO 17034 accreditation, ROMIL PrimAg® single and multi-element reference solutions for ICP provide a reliable and cost effective alternative to making these calibrants in the laboratory.
Just as important in ICP is sample preparation. Many samples are solid materials which must be solubilised in order to be able to introduce them to the ICP instrument. Usually acids are employed to get the sample into solution, but care must be taken that residual impurities from such reagents do not compromise the analyte levels in the original sample.
ROMIL high purity acids are the perfect accessories for ICP sample preparation. For ICP‑OES the ROMIL‑SpA™ super purity range is the ideal match where residual metals are at the parts per billion (ppb) level. Furthermore, a range of matrix matched diluent (blank) solutions manufactured from these materials is available.
For the ultimate sensitivity, though, ICP‑MS is preferred where detection levels can extend to sub parts per trillion level (ppt). Our ultra purity line is embodied by the ROMIL‑UpA™ brand which features residual metals at ppt levels is the ultimate grade for sample preparation. Just like a leaf in a forest!
PrimAg is a registered trademark of ROMIL Ltd.