Agilent ICP-MS Journal (February 2023, Issue 91)

Importance of the topic

Analytical control of elemental composition is critical across diverse fields such as battery manufacturing, food safety, and authenticity testing. High-sensitivity, multi-element screening by ICP-MS enables detection of trace contaminants that affect performance, safety, and fraud prevention. Helium collision mode (He KED) and robust plasma conditions expand capabilities to handle complex, high-matrix samples, making comprehensive elemental profiling practical and reliable.

Study objectives and overview

Issue 91 of the Agilent ICP-MS Journal presents three case studies plus an industry symposium report:

• Trace element determination in lithium-ion battery (LIB) raw materials and components.
• Full elemental characterization of novel alternative protein sources.
• Geographical authentication of high-value Indian teas via trace element fingerprinting and chemometrics.
• Summary of the Battery Summit online symposium and latest Agilent ICP-MS publications.

Methodology

Microwave acid digestion protocols (HNO₃/HCl) were used for solid samples. Single-quadrupole 7850 and 7900 ICP-MS systems, plus the 8900 triple-quadrupole ICP-MS, were operated with Ultra High Matrix Introduction (UHMI) and an ORS4 collision/reaction cell in He KED mode. Quick Scan acquisition captured full mass spectra with minimal time penalty. Data processing employed IntelliQuant for semiquantitative screening and Agilent Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) for multivariate classification.

Instrumentation

• Agilent 7850 and 7900 ICP-MS with ORS4 He KED cell and UHMI aerosol dilution.
• Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ for enhanced detection limits.
• Agilent SPS 4 autosampler.
• IntelliQuant software for rapid elemental screening.
• Agilent Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) for chemometric analysis.

Main results and discussion

LIB applications: He KED mode achieved mg/kg to sub-µg/kg detection of key contaminants (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb) in cathode materials and electrolytes, overcoming polyatomic overlaps. UHMI maintained plasma stability up to % dissolved solids.
Alternative proteins: Cricket, mushroom, almond, and chickpea powders were screened for FDA EAM 4.7 elements. Accurate recoveries and full-spectrum IntelliQuant heat maps revealed elevated Cu and Zn in insect-based protein.
Tea authentication: A set of 150 Indian tea samples were analyzed for 68 elements; PCA of 18 indicator elements fully separated regions (Darjeeling, Assam, etc.). SVM and LDA models correctly predicted the origin of 24 blind samples with >0.88 confidence.
Industry engagement: The Battery Summit symposium highlighted methods for raw material analysis (ICP-OES, ICP-MS), recycling streams, leak detection by GC/MS, and solvent/additive monitoring.

Benefits and practical application

He KED ICP-MS workflows offer:

• Low detection limits and simplified interference control across varied matrices.
• Rapid screening and confirmation of regulated elements without extensive calibration.
• Robust performance for high-throughput QA/QC in R&D, production, and regulatory labs.
• Trace element fingerprinting to combat food fraud and assure product authenticity.

Future trends and potential applications

Advances in triple-quadrupole ICP-MS will push detection limits lower for emerging battery materials. Integration with chemometric and machine-learning tools will automate authenticity testing for foods and beverages. On-demand virtual training and expanded application notes will further disseminate best practices in diverse industries.

Conclusion

Agilent ICP-MS in He collision mode, combined with UHMI and advanced data analytics, provides a versatile platform for trace elemental analysis in battery materials, novel foods, and high-value agricultural products. The robust, high-throughput workflows meet stringent detection and authenticity requirements, supporting quality, safety, and fraud prevention across multiple sectors.

Reference

1. Accurate ICP-MS Analysis of Elemental Impurities in Electrolyte Used for Lithium-Ion Batteries. Agilent publication 5994-5363EN.
2. ICP-MS Analysis of Trace Elements in LIB Cathode Materials. Agilent publication 5994-5509EN.
3. Quantifying Metal Impurities in Li-Ion Battery Raw Materials by ICP-MS/MS. Agilent publication 5994-5341EN.
4. ICP-MS Analysis of Heavy Metals and Other Trace Elements in Alternative Proteins Per US FDA EAM 4.7. Agilent publication 5994-5303EN.
5. Determination of Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Alternative Meats Per EAM 4.7 Method for ICP-MS. Agilent publication 5994-5181EN.
6. Authenticating Geographical Origin of Tea Using ICP-MS and Agilent Mass Profiler Professional Software. Agilent publication 5994-4583EN.