Application of capillary electrophoresis interfaced to double focusing sector field ICP-MS for nuclide abundance determination of lanthanides produced via spallation reactions in an irradiated tantalum target

摘要: An analytical procedure was developed using capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled on-line to a double-focusing sector field inductively plasma mass spectrometer (DF-ICP-MS) for the analysis of mixtures lanthanide elements in aqueous samples with natural isotope abundances and sample taken from an irradiated tantalum target containing artificial nuclide abundances. A MicroMist AR30-1-F02 nebulizer Cinnabar small volume cyclonic spray chamber used ICP-MS introduction. The CE-ICP-MS interface featured self-aspirating electrolyte make-up solution electrical ground connection control suction. method features fast run times sizes (≈35 nL injection volume). Detection limits most abundant isotopes were 0.72 ppb 3.9 ppb, improvement as much one order magnitude compared quadrupole system similar experimental arrangement. Abundances lanthanides found be within 0.1–2% table values while present smaller amounts 3–5% values. applied material which exposed high energy proton beam production neutrons via spallation reactions. large fraction products unlike samples. Thus, chemical separation step prior detection required avoid isobaric interferences accurate determination such results abundance determinations theoretical calculations.