Sensitivity enhancement in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using nebulization methods via nitrogen mixed gas effect

Yanagisawa, Kayo   ; Matsueda, Makoto   ; Furukawa, Makoto*; Takagai, Yoshitaka*

We demonstrate the sensitivity enhancement in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) by combining ultrasonic nebulization via the nitrogen mixed gas effect. We showed the effect of nitrogen gas concentration (0-5%) in the nebulizer gas on the signal sensitivity for 63 elements using commercially available (concentric and ultrasonic) nebulizers. In addition, the limit of detection was calculated in each case. Finally, we compared the sensitivity (i.e., the slope of the calibration curve), background noise intensity, and three-dimensional intensity distribution in the plasma to elucidate the effects of the concurrent use of mixed gas plasmas and nebulization methods.