Agilent ICP-MS Journal (July/August 2015 – Issue 62)

Importance of the Topic

ICP-MS innovations address the growing demand for reliable, high-throughput elemental analysis in environmental, pharmaceutical, industrial, and semiconductor applications. Enhanced robustness, matrix tolerance, and sub-ppt detection capabilities are essential for meeting increasingly stringent regulatory and quality requirements.

Objectives and Study Overview

This collection of articles introduces the Agilent 7800 ICP-MS system with solution-ready workflows, examines a GC-ICP-QQQ approach for sub-ppb hydride gas detection, and highlights service (MAPs) and software (MassHunter 4.2) innovations that streamline method development and operation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Agilent 7800 ICP-MS: High‐matrix introduction (HMI) technology tolerates up to 3 % TDS; wide-dynamic-range detector spans ten orders of magnitude; helium cell mode removes polyatomic interferences; MassHunter software with Pre-set Methods and Method Wizard simplifies setup.
• Integrated Sample Introduction: ISIS 3 system and SPS 4 autosampler offer rapid sample uptake, high capacity, corrosion resistance, and optional enclosure for hazardous vapors.
• GC-ICP-QQQ Configuration: Agilent 7890 GC coupled to 8800 ICP-QQQ via GC interface; MS/MS mass-shift mode with O₂ and H₂ cell gases targets reaction product ions (PO⁺, SO⁺, GeO⁺, AsO⁺), and H₂ mode for on‐mass Si detection.

Main Results and Discussion

• The 7800 ICP-MS streamlines routine workflows by delivering rapid auto-optimization, robust plasma performance, and validated SOPs for drinking water, waste, and pharmaceutical analyses without matrix-matched calibration.
• Pre-set Methods dramatically reduce method development time, enabling users to load and run predefined protocols with minimal tuning.
• GC-ICP-QQQ achieves detection limits in the low‐ to sub-ppt range (e.g., phosphine ~8.7 ppt by 2×S/N), a 5–10× improvement over conventional quadrupole ICP-MS for hydride gases and silane.
• MS/MS mass-shift effectively eliminates polyatomic interferences, enhancing sensitivity and quantitative accuracy for poorly ionized or interference-prone species.

Benefits and Practical Application of the Method

• Validated, solution-ready workflows and robust instrumentation support compliance with USP <232>/ICH Q3D, EPA, and other regulatory standards.
• Direct handling of high-matrix, chloride-rich, and organic samples reduces preparation time and eliminates matrix-matched calibration needs.
• Ultra-trace monitoring of semiconductor precursor gases (PH₃, AsH₃, GeH₄) ensures process safety and product quality in petrochemical and electronics industries.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of single nanoparticle analysis modules and field-flow fractionation (FFF) expands nanocharacterization capabilities.
• Hyphenated techniques (LC-ICP-MS, CE-ICP-MS) will benefit from deeper software integration and streamlined data analysis tools.
• Service-oriented models (Agilent MAPs) and partner laboratories will continue to deliver turnkey analytical solutions and customized application support.
• Ongoing enhancements in software (MassHunter and related platforms) will further automate workflows, QC reporting, and secure data management.

Conclusion

Recent hardware and software enhancements in ICP-MS and ICP-QQQ systems deliver unprecedented robustness, lower detection limits, and simplified workflows. These advances accelerate method development, ensure regulatory compliance, and broaden the scope of applications across diverse analytical fields.

References

1. Agilent Application Note 5991-5849EN: Sub-ppb Detection Limits for Hydride Gas Contaminants using GC-ICP-QQQ
2. Agilent Brochure 5991-5874EN: Solution-ready Agilent 7800 ICP-MS