Accurate Determination of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Complex Matrices using the Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ

Significance of the Topic

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are widely used in sunscreens paints food colorants and cosmetics. Their unique optical properties provide UV protection but raise concerns over environmental fate and potential toxicity. Accurate measurement of their number size and concentration in complex matrices is critical for safety assessment regulatory compliance and quality control

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note presents a method for single particle ICP MS analysis of TiO2 nanoparticles using the Agilent 8900 ICP QQQ in MS MS mode. The aim is to overcome interferences from P S Ca Si and polyatomic ions and to enable sensitive detection of particle size distribution in cosmetic and environmental samples

Applied Methodology and Instrumentation

The method employs the Agilent 8900 Advanced Applications ICP QQQ configured with a quartz spray chamber quartz torch concentric glass nebulizer and standard nickel cones. Fast time resolved analysis was conducted with a dwell time of 0.1 ms. MS MS mode with Q1 set to mz 48 and Q2 to mz 64 was used along with a mixed oxygen hydrogen cell gas to shift Ti to TiO plus and remove interferences including CaO plus. Calibration used NIST 1898 TiO2 reference material and a gold nanoparticle RM to determine nebulization efficiency. Software support was provided by the Single Nanoparticle Application Module of MassHunter

Key Results and Discussion

Interference testing showed that MS MS mode with O2H2 effectively reduced signals from matrix based species to yield a particle size detection limit of approximately 30 nm. Measurement of NIST 1898 TiO2 reference material produced a mean diameter of 71 nm in agreement with certified values. Analysis of commercial sunscreen samples dispersed in deionized water tap water and a synthetic matrix mixture demonstrated consistent size distributions around 80 nm and stable detection even in high matrix loads

Benefits and Practical Applications

This approach delivers low background and high sensitivity for the most abundant Ti isotope enabling reliable size and count measurements of TiO2 nanoparticles in cosmetic food and environmental samples. The robust interference removal simplifies sample preparation and improves throughput for QC and regulatory testing laboratories

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging needs include standardized protocols for nanoparticle analysis in diverse matrices automation of data processing enhanced coupling with separation techniques and expanded application to other engineered nanoparticles. Integration with toxicity and fate studies will support risk assessment and regulatory harmonization

Conclusion

The Agilent 8900 ICP QQQ in MS MS mass shift mode provides an effective solution for accurate characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles in complex samples. The combination of single particle ICP MS with advanced interference removal enables sensitive detection of size distribution and concentration in regulatory and research applications

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