Agilent ICP-MS Journal (May 2013 – Issue 53)

Significance of the topic

The rapid expansion of nanomaterials, advanced materials research, and diverse industrial applications has increased the demand for highly sensitive, high-resolution elemental and nanoparticle analysis. Modern ICP-MS techniques, including centrifugal Field-Flow Fractionation (CFFF) hyphenation and triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QQQ), enable direct size measurement, multi-element detection, removal of spectral interferences, and robust quantitation at trace to ultratrace levels.

Objectives and overview of the studies

This issue highlights five coordinated initiatives:

• High-resolution characterization of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) using CFFF-ICP-MS.
• Implementation of Agilent 8800 ICP-QQQ systems at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to support multidisciplinary research from environmental to clinical and geological applications.
• Deployment of a platinum-cone trade-in credit program to reduce consumable costs and environmental impact.
• Summary of the 2013 European Winter Conference on Atomic Spectroscopy, including community awards and poster statistics.
• Report on inaugural Agilent ICP-MS Users’ Group meetings in Vietnam for operator training and technology exchange.

Methodology and instrumentation

CFFF-ICP-MS:

• CFF2000 centrifugal field-flow fractionation coupled to an Agilent 7700x ICP-MS.
• Separation principle based on balancing centrifugal and diffusion forces to elute particles by equivalent spherical diameter.

Triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QQQ):

• Agilent 8800 systems, interfaced with HPLC for speciation and with laser ablation for solid sampling.
• Reaction cell gas modes to remove isobaric interferences for S, P, Si, Cl, and Pb isotope ratio analyses.

MP-AES:

• Agilent 4100 MP-AES for cost-effective determination of elements such as Si, Cr, Ni, Pb, V in fuels, biodiesel, and industrial matrices.

Cone recycling program:

• Return of used platinum sampling and skimmer cones from 7700/7500/8800 series for credit and recycling.

Used Instrumentation

• CFF2000 Field-Flow Fractionation system (Postnova Analytics).
• Agilent 7700x and 7500ce Quadrupole ICP-MS.
• Agilent 8800 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS (two units at QUT).
• ASX-520 autosampler; Integrated Sample Introduction System (ISIS).
• New Wave laser ablation system.
• Agilent 1260 HPLC for speciation analyses.
• Agilent 4100 MP-AES (Microwave Plasma).

Main results and discussion

ENP characterization by CFFF-ICP-MS achieved baseline resolution of 10, 30, and 60 nm gold nanoparticles and resolved a low‐level Ag impurity, demonstrating direct size calculation from elution time. The technique provided mass resolution down to 13% without external calibration. At QUT, Agilent 8800 ICP-QQQs were rapidly integrated into geological dating, materials research, and biological studies, offering interference removal and multi-element capability. The platinum cone trade-in program delivered cost savings and recycling benefits. Analysis of 213 posters at EWPC showed Agilent ICP-MS systems cited in over half of presentations, underlining market leadership. User Group meetings in Vietnam fostered knowledge sharing on 7700x operation, LC-ICP-MS speciation, and ICP-QQQ capabilities.

Benefits and practical applications

• High-resolution size and composition profiling of ENPs in environmental matrices.
• Accurate trace and ultratrace elemental quantitation in geological, clinical, and materials research.
• Reduction of spectral interferences for challenging isotopes and elements.
• Operational cost savings and sustainability through consumable recycling programs.
• Enhanced training and networking via user group events and conferences.

Future trends and applications

The convergence of triple quadrupole ICP-MS with complementary sample introduction methods (LA-ICP-MS, HPLC) will expand speciation and imaging applications. Continued improvements in Field-Flow Fractionation, microwave plasma‐AES, and consumable reuse will drive eco-efficient laboratory workflows. User communities are expected to adopt advanced ICP-MS for emerging fields such as nanotoxicology, metallomics, and isotopic fingerprinting.

Conclusion

Recent advances in ICP-MS instrumentation and methodology—exemplified by CFFF-ICP-MS and triple quadrupole ICP-MS—are transforming elemental and nanoparticle analysis across environmental, industrial, and research domains. Combined with sustainable consumable recycling and active community engagement, these developments deliver enhanced performance, cost-effectiveness, and robust data quality.

References

1. Giddings J.C. Science 1993 (260), 1456–1465.
2. Giddings J.C. Unified Separation Science. Wiley, New York, 1991.