Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) gives the elemental composition of either liquid or digested-solid samples. It is highly sensitive with a large dynamic range and well suited for trace element detection in the analysis of processing fluids or rinse water. Accompanied by a new Microwave Digestion system, we can also use ICP-OES to analyze the chemistry of digested bulk samples. Results are quantitative using an appropriate reference or are semi-quantitative for simple survey scans. 

Strengths

• Widely applicable to virtually any bulk sample (liquid or solid)
• Wide dynamic range supports analysis of most elements on the Periodic Table
• Quantitative composition with an appropriate reference; or semi-quantitative with simple survey scans
• Compatible with airless workflow (use of glovebox)*
  NOTE: ICP is an inherently destructive mode of sample-introduction; as a result, the sample will eventually be exposed to air during the process of analysis, as it vaporizes and ionizes

Limitations

• Provides elemental composition information only
• Best for bulk samples; (ICP-MS is preferable for analysis of contaminants and impurities)
• Solid samples need to be digested first – Covalent can provide this service as well; please contact us if you are interested in learning more.

Learn More

Example Outputs Instruments Used How ICP-OES Works

• Liquid or digestible solid-phase
• Measurement typically requires a minimum 10 mL for undiluted liquids; or 50-100 mg for solid samples
• Reduced sample quantity can negatively affect detection limits (though larger samples can be sectioned at Covalent)

ICP-OES works by analyzing the light emitted from a plasma, induced through ionization as a liquid or gaseous sample is introduced in the instrument. During this process, the sample is vaporized and fully ionized, causing it to shed excess energy as emitted light.

A spectrometer detects and analyzes these emitted photons: separating them according to their characteristic wavelengths and measuring their intensity (the number of photons with a given wavelength). Binning this data produces a spectrum that allows experts to identify the elements present in the sample and determine their concentration. 

ICP-OES can analyze a wide range of elements, and can make these measurements simultnaeously, allowing for fast analysis times. Furthermore, there are minimal levels of interference between elemental signals in OES; combined with the stability of a latest-generation instrument, ICP-OES provides enhanced sensitivity and improved detection limits over other spectroscopy methods.