Equipment: Thermo Scientific iCAP TQe Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) and iCAP RQ ICP-MS. New Wave 193 nm excimer laser.
Location: 316 Hosler Building
Description: The LIME facility houses a Thermo Scientific iCAP TQe Quadrupole ICP-MS and a Thermo Scientific iCAP RQ ICP-MS, both equipped with Collision Cell technology, as well as a New Wave 193 nm excimer laser ablation system (NWR193) for in situ solid sample analysis. The excimer source is a neon-argon fluoride mixture that produces a high-energy pulse of light at 193 nm wavelength and powers >5 GW/cm2. Clean lab sample preparation services for dissolution and laser ablation are available by request.
The ICP-MS laboratory offers the following analyses:
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- Trace elemental analysis of solutions — Analysis of low concentrations (i.e., ppb and ppt concentrations) of trace elements in solutions (e.g., stream water, groundwater, rainwater). At higher concentrations, the ICP-AES is the preferred method of analysis.
- Trace elemental analysis of digested solids — Analysis of trace elements in solid samples after digestion. This technique allows for quantification of elements in solid samples at the ppm level. In some cases, elements can be quantified at high ppb concentrations.
- Trace elemental analysis of solids — Laser ablation ICP-MS analyzes solid material introduced to the plasma following ablation over tens of microns. The elemental ratios and concentrations of trace and low weight percent elements in solid samples are determined. This method is most often used in cases in which acid digestion is difficult/incomplete, and/or when spatial heterogeneity is of interest. The ICP-MS facility offers method development for interested researchers (e.g., laser ablation of lithium metaborate fusions).
Training: Student researchers and faculty interested in training on instrument operation and data interpretation should contact the ICP-MS LIME laboratory to schedule training. The required training hours may vary, depending on the user’s foundational knowledge and analytical skills; in general, we require ≥4 training hours prior to allowing users to operate the instrument independently.
Sample requirements: Samples submitted for solution analysis by ICP-MS must meet the following conditions prior to analysis. If they do not, additional sample preparation (dilution, digestion) may be required at an additional cost.
See information on sample preparation services provided by LIME and sample requirements. Sample requirements are also outlined below:
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- Diluted to an appropriate concentration range for elements of interest (1–200 ppb)
- 5 ~7 mL of sample provided (more is often necessary and recommended)
- Diluted in 2 % (v/v) HNO3 acid (ultra-pure grade recommended)
- Completely dissolved and free of particulates (filter through 0.22 µm filter if necessary)
- TDS <0.2% (m/v)
- NO undigested organic components or solvent
- NO hydrofluoric (HF) acid
- For solid samples: Digestion is required. Supply >200 mg of dry, finely powdered sample (~100 mesh); if this is not possible, email the instrument contact. More sample may be needed for multiple processing methods.
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Request analysis: Samples may be submitted to LIME’s ICP-MS laboratory for analysis by navigating to the Request analysis page and clicking on the ‘Submit’ button.
Click on this link to review sample labeling requirements.
Upon submission and prior to drop-off:
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- Send the ICP-MS analyst a sample list with full names in an Excel spreadsheet.
- Order your samples from lower to higher concentration.
- Sample tubes should be trace metal grade (https://us.vwr.com/store/product/4648943/vwr-metal-free-centrifuge-tubes-polypropylene-sterile)
- Submit your samples to Hosler 317 with a hard copy of the sample submission form
- NB: Samples will be saved for one month before disposal unless otherwise requested on sample submission form.
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CURRENT LIME FEE SCHEDULE
| Equipment Time (/hr) | Staff Time (/hr) | |
|---|---|---|
| INTERNAL PSU | $74.42 | $65.54 |
| EXTERNAL ACADEMIC | $183.38 | $103.82 |
| EXTERNAL NON-ACADEMIC | $189.17 | $107.09 |
| *please contact us for a detailed cost breakdown | ||
Materials:
Liquids
Solids (in situ)
Techniques:
ICP-MS/Acid Digestion
ICP-MS/Laser Ablation