PNNL

Abstract

A new, low power ionization source for elemental MS analysis of aqueous solutions is described. The liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LSAPGD) operates by a process wherein the surface of the liquid emanating from a 75 µm i.d. glass capillary acts as the cathode of the direct current glow discharge. Analytecontaining solutions at a flow rate of 100 µL min-1 are vaporized by the passage of current, yielding gas phase solutes that are subsequently ionized in the 1 kW) plasma sources typically employed in elemental mass spectrometry, particularly for those cases where costs, operational overhead, and simplicity considerations are important.