Agilent 8900 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS brochure

Importance of the Topic

Accurate removal of polyatomic and isobaric interferences is a fundamental challenge in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The development of triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QQQ) with MS/MS capability has transformed multi-element trace analysis by enabling controlled, consistent interference elimination and extending the analytical reach to previously inaccessible elements and sample types.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents the features, performance benefits, and application scope of the Agilent 8900 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS. Key aims include demonstrating how MS/MS reaction chemistry enhances interference removal, showcasing detection limits for challenging analytes such as silicon and sulfur, and illustrating capabilities in nanoparticle characterization, speciation, and fast transient analysis.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The 8900 ICP-QQQ employs two quadrupole mass filters (Q1 and Q2) separated by an octopole reaction cell (ORS4). Q1 removes off-mass ions before the cell, reaction gases (O2, NH3, He) drive selective chemistry, and Q2 transmits only target product or analyte ions. Key instrument components and options include:

• 4th-Generation Octopole Reaction System with axial acceleration for enhanced sensitivity
• He mode for kinetic energy discrimination and MS/MS mode for selective product ion measurement
• Low-flow Peltier-cooled sample introduction or Ultra High Matrix Introduction (UHMI) for up to 25% TDS tolerance
• Heated GC interface, LC/IC kits, and accessories for speciation
• Single particle/cell ICP-MS capability with 0.1 ms dwell times
• ICP-MS MassHunter software with Task Navigator, IntelliQuant quality rating, and nanoparticle data analysis module

Key Results and Discussion

The 8900 achieves silicon and sulfur detection limits below 10 ng/L using O2 cell gas in MS/MS mode. Controlled reaction chemistry resolves direct isobaric overlaps such as 204Hg/204Pb and enables accurate isotope ratio measurements (e.g., 176Hf/177Hf) in complex matrices. Single particle mode distinguishes 50 nm SiO2 nanoparticles from background and provides size distributions. Sulfur isotope ratios and trace quantification via isotope dilution were demonstrated with high precision, eliminating Ca, Ti, and C interferences.

Benefits and Practical Applications

ICP-QQQ with MS/MS offers:

• Reliable ultratrace analysis of Si, S, and emerging contaminants in semiconductor, environmental, food, and biopharma sectors
• Nanoparticle and single-cell quantification at sub-50 nm resolution
• Integrated speciation workflows for LC-ICP-MS, GC-ICP-MS, IC-ICP-MS
• Fast discrete sampling for high-throughput labs

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing developments include extended reaction gas chemistries, enhanced software automation for regulatory compliance, and expanding applications in geochronology, nuclear safeguards, and advanced materials research. Integration with lab informatics and real-time quality monitoring will further accelerate adoption.

Conclusion

The Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ with MS/MS represents a significant advance in interference management for ICP-MS. Its robust design, flexible reaction cell, and comprehensive software suite deliver accurate, reproducible results across diverse analytical challenges, pushing the boundaries of trace element and nanoparticle analysis.