Agilent ICP-MS Journal (July 2016 – Issue 66)

Significance of the Topic

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a leading technique for rapid, multi-element analysis across diverse sectors. The introduction of triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QQQ) has further enhanced interference removal, sensitivity, and matrix tolerance, expanding its utility in high-purity, environmental, food, and nuclear applications.

Objectives and Study Overview

This Agilent ICP-MS Journal issue presents developments in ICP-QQQ technology, including the new 8900 instrument architecture, its performance improvements over the 8800 model, applications in nanoparticle characterization, and advanced methods for nuclear trace isotope analysis.

Methodology and Analytical Approach

ICP-QQQ employs two quadrupole mass filters (Q1 and Q2) separated by an octopole reaction system (ORS). MS/MS mode uses unit resolution on both quadrupoles to isolate target ions before reaction cell processing, ensuring consistent reaction chemistry and superior abundance sensitivity. Reaction gases (e.g., O2, H2) selectively convert analytes to product ions, while cell chemistry removes spectral interferences.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ mainframe (Standard, Advanced Applications, Semiconductor configurations)
• ISIS 3 sample introduction accessory
• High-gain electron multiplier detector with 0.1 ms dwell for time-resolved analysis
• ICP-MS MassHunter 4.3 software with Intelligent Sequencing and Single Nanoparticle Module

Main Results and Discussion

The new 8900 ICP-QQQ delivers higher matrix tolerance (up to 25 % TDS), doubled sensitivity vs. the 8800 for Advanced and Semiconductor configurations, and extended dynamic range (11 orders of magnitude). Enhanced s-lens design improves cool plasma operation for semiconductor analysis. Single-particle ICP-QQQ achieves sub-50 nm detection limits for SiO₂ and Au NPs down to 10 nm, enabled by low background and fast time-resolved acquisition. Nuclear applications benefit from MS/MS O₂ cell gas methods to quantify ultra-trace ¹²⁹I and separate ²³⁷Np and ²³⁶U from uranium matrices at ratios up to 10⁶:1, achieving detection limits in the sub-fg/g range.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Reliable interference removal for challenging matrices, including high-purity reagents and enriched nuclear samples
• Accurate trace analysis of difficult elements (S, Si, P, Cl, Ti, Fe) in food, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and environmental monitoring
• Quantitative single nanoparticle sizing and counting for environmental and nanomaterials research
• Rapid nuclear isotope ratio determination for safeguards, waste, and fallout assessment

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in ICP-QQQ hardware and software will drive broader adoption in QA/QC laboratories and research. Emerging areas include hyphenated separation–ICP-QQQ workflows, direct speciation of complex radionuclides, and integration of machine learning for method development. Ongoing improvements in cell gas chemistry and detector technology will further lower detection limits and expand analyte coverage.

Conclusion

The Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ sets new standards in sensitivity, precision, and interference control, building on the success of the 8800 model. Its flexible configurations and robust MS/MS capabilities meet the evolving demands of industrial, environmental, nanoscience, and nuclear analyses.

Reference

• Agilent publication 5991-6900EN: Agilent 8900 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS brochure
• Agilent publication 5991-6596EN: SiO₂ nanoparticle analysis using 8900 ICP-QQQ in MS/MS mode
• Agilent publication 5991-6944EN: Analysis of 10 nm gold nanoparticles using 8900 ICP-QQQ
• Agilent Application Note 5991-0321EN: Ultra-trace ^129I analysis in MS/MS mode
• Agilent Application Note 5991-6553EN: Reduction of uranium hydride interference for ^236U isotope analysis
• Agilent Application Note 5991-6905EN: Accurate ^237Np analysis in uranium matrix using ICP-QQQ