Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 31th March 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies and Shimadzu and other document by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Enhanced RoHS Compliance Testing with Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=5800+ICP-OES&amp;sources=GCMS_EN-ICPMS_EN">5800 ICP-OES</a></h3>Accurate measurement of multiple elements including Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg in plastic materials<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_rohs_compliance_testing_5800_icp_oes_5994_8252en_agilent_d8b5f5a791.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The volume of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide. Over 62 million tonnes was generated globally in 2024.1 However, only a small fraction of this waste is properly recycled, contributing to environmental pollution and the loss of valuable materials. To address this issue and to improve the safety of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), the EU first introduced the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive in 2003.2 By restricting the use of specific hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and certain flame retardants, RoHS helps ensure that products are safer for both consumers and the environment.3 As the design, type, and production of EEE evolve, ensuring compliance with RoHS regulations becomes increasingly challenging for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchlorate (PVC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), are often used in EEE because of their unique properties and cost-effectiveness.4 Manufacturers must rigorously test these materials using advanced analytical techniques to detect and quantify restricted substances, ensuring compliance with the stringent limits set by the directive. Among these techniques, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is one of the most effective tools for analyzing elements in plastics in accordance with RoHS regulations.5&nbsp;This application note describes a RoHS-compliant testing method for the multi-elemental analysis of plastics using an Agilent 5800 Vertical Dual View (VDV) ICP-OES. The methodology includes detailed procedures for sample preparation of a PE Certified Reference Material (CRM) and two real-life plastic materials used in EEE, instrument parameters, and performance evaluation. Quantitative results for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) are presented. The data set demonstrates the suitability of the method for supporting manufacturers in achieving RoHS compliance with a high level of efficiency and accuracy.<h4>Results and discussion</h4><h5>Sample analysis – spike recovery and precision&nbsp;</h5>Spike recovery tests in a sample matrix are an effective way to evaluate the reliability of the sample preparation and/or analytical methods, especially when suitable CRMs are unavailable. In this study, in addition to the analysis of the CRM, two real-life samples (A and B) were analyzed using the 5800 VDV ICP-OES. The measured concentrations of the analytes and spike recovery results are shown in Table 6. The spike recoveries for all analytes were within 94 to 108%, except for Sn in sample A, which had a spike recovery of 88%. This lower recovery could be due to the high measured concentration of Sn in sample A.&nbsp;However, the recovery of Sn in the CRM was 104%, assuring the method’s accuracy. The %RSD of the spike recovery measurements (n=3) was used to evaluate the method’s precision. As shown in Table 6, the spike recovery RSDs were ≤2.3% for all nine analytes in both samples A and B. This method validation data confirms the effectiveness of the microwave digestion sample preparation procedure for these materials. The results also demonstrate the excellent reproducibility and reliability of the 5800 VDV ICP-OES method for the analysis of complex plastic matrices.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The Agilent 5800 VDV ICP-OES was used for the quantitative analysis of nine elements including RoHS-specified elements, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg, in plastics that are typically used in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The samples included a plastic-based CRM (ERM-EC 681, polyethylene) and two real-life plastic matrices used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. A one-stage microwave digestion sample preparation procedure ensured the complete digestion of these tough thermoplastic materials, facilitating accurate analysis by ICP-OES.&nbsp;The 5800 ICP-OES demonstrated outstanding sensitivity, accuracy, and stability, making it a reliable solution for EEE manufacturers required to comply with RoHS or equivalent testing standards. The Intelligent Rinse software feature of Agilent ICP Expert Pro streamlined operations by automatically adjusting rinse times based on user-defined thresholds, saving time and resources, and lowering the overall costs of analysis. This study highlights the 5800 ICP-OES instrument’s capability to deliver precise and consistent results, supporting the industry’s need for rigorous and reliable RoHS compliance testing.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Simultaneous Multi-Element Analysis of Farmland Soil ExtractsUsing the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=ICPE-9820&amp;sources=ICPMS_EN">ICPE-9820</a>&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00815_en_bd40243933.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits:</h4><ul><li>The ICPE-9820 can quickly analyze farmland soil for multiple elements simultaneously.</li><li>The ICPE-9820 can analyze high matrix samples without dilution, such as farmland soil solution extracts.</li></ul>Since soil contains constituents essential for crop growth that affect yield and quality, there is increasing demand for soil testing to help maintain optimum concentrations of soil constituents. Soil testing can determine the concentrations of these constituents and then create an optimized fertilization regimen to adjust them. Elemental analysis in soil testing is typically performed with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). However, as soil testing becomes more common, there is a growing demand for faster soil analysis.&nbsp;The ICPE-9820, an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES) offers a wide dynamic range and can analyze multiple elements simultaneously. Soil testing analyzes soil for a large number of elements, and the ICPE-9820 can perform extremely efficient analyses that measure major and trace constituentssimultaneously.&nbsp;In this Application News, the ICPE-9820 analyzed farmland soil solution extracts for exchangeable constituents, available boron, trace elements and cadmium. And a spike recovery test and a dilution test were then performed to validate this analytical method.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>In this Application News, the ICPE-9820 and extraction reagents normally used in soil testing were used to analyze three farmland soil solution extracts for exchangeable constituents, available boron, trace elements and cadmium. The results from validation testing show the analytical method was accurate. Using an axial view and radial view of plasma for different purposes allowed major constituents and trace constituents to be measured simultaneously without diluting samples for individual target analytes.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Driving productivity through reliable analysis with reduced complexity</h3><ul><li>Other document (case study)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/cs_003220_tea_icp_ms_icap_mx_series_element_cs003220_na_en_b888bf9432.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Element Material Testing Group is one of the world’s leading providers of testing, inspection, and certification. Element offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of materials testing services available in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector that covers materials selection, application, and performance testing as well as failure analysis testing services. With over 9,000 employees and 270 laboratories, Element is providing their services worldwide to 55,000 customers working in diverse sectors including aerospace, energy, environmental, industrials, and life sciences.&nbsp;The Element Edmonton laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited, specializing in inorganic analysis. With three <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=228&amp;manufacturerItems=3">ICP-MS</a> and five<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=251&amp;manufacturerItems=3"> ICP-OES</a> systems, it analyzes for inorganic metals in soils and waters. Typical clients come from different industries such as oil and gas, construction, agriculture, municipal drinking water, and many more.&nbsp;Alexsandra Robert is a senior scientist who has been working with the company for 20 years, with over 15 years of experience with ICP analysis. ICP-MS analyses performed at the Edmonton facility are primarily testing for heavy metal contaminant levels in soil and water. “As the primary production lab for Element in Alberta, we currently analyze over 40,000 soils and 15,000 waters annually for metals,” stated Alexsandra.&nbsp;Analysis of soils and waters for elemental contaminants or minerals is typically performed using either Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) or Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to satisfy the different analytical and regulatory requirements of customers. “The choice between ICP-OES and ICP-MS is largely driven by factors such as required detection limits, number of analytes, regulatory guidelines, and type of information requested by our clients,” Alexsandra further illustrated.Busy analytical testing laboratories experience tremendous workloads and need to ensure that reliable results are delivered to their valued customers in time. Alexsandra noted, “Achieving reliable analytical results with minimum time and resources is very critical to the overall success of any analytical laboratory.” A Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487">iCAP™ MSX ICP-MS</a> driven by Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution Software</a> was added to the instrumental portfolio of the Element laboratory in Edmonton and has been in use for testing of environmental samples including ground waters, lake waters, surface waters, and different types of soil samples. Whereas the analysis of water samples is relatively straightforward, soil samples need to be acid digested either by microwave or hot plate digestion before introducing them into the ICP-MS for analysis. Samples are typically diluted off-line prior to analysis using ultrapure diluent to ensure that total dissolved solids in samples do not exceed the tolerance level of ICP-MS instruments. Alexsandra provided insight on the typical workflow of an environmental laboratory, “For laboratories analyzing hundreds of samples every day, off-line liquid dilution is a tedious, error-prone, and expensive analytical step as it requires time, manual intervention, and expensive reagents and apparatus.”

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 14, 2025

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 18, 2025

Life is often about making a choice or the best possible compromise between two aspects that seem to stand diametrically opposed to each other. For example, staying out late for dinner with friends while planning a long hike the following day with an early start. Either of these activities provides great pleasure, but combining both on the same weekend may not be the best idea. I come across many similar challenges almost every week, and each time I need to make a choice that seems to be the most promising in a given situation.The same is true in some cases for analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). While many questions about removing interferences were answered by my colleague <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.analyteguru.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/58">Simon Nelms</a> in his blogs, I would like to state here that most laboratories performing applied analytical testing of, for example, water samples or foodstuffs, mostly rely on single quadrupole-based ICP-MS, such as the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/IQLAAGGAAQFAQKMBIT#/IQLAAGGAAQFAQKMBIT">Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ RQ ICP-MS</a>, due to their robustness, ease of use and speed of analysis.Single quadrupole-based instruments remove all interferences using inert helium as a collision gas and kinetic energy discrimination (KED). The QCell collision/reaction cell (CRC) has two important advantages for this setup: High ion transmission across the full mass range (so that light elements such as lithium and beryllium can also be measured with the lowest detection limits), and an automatically adjusted low mass cutoff to further suppress backgrounds. More information on how KED removes interferences can be found <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/document-connect/document-connect.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.thermofisher.com%2FTFS-Assets%2FCMD%2Fbrochures%2Fsn-44415-icp-ms-single-quadrupole-sn44415-en.pdf&amp;title=U21hcnQgTm90ZTogVHJhY2UgRWxlbWVudHMgaW4gUm91dGluZSBTYW1wbGUgTWF0cmljZXMgVXNpbmcgU2luZ2xlIFF1YWRydXBvbGUgaUNBUCBSUSBJQ1AtTVM=">here</a>. Using a single collision gas for all analytes means that the time required for fill/flush cycle in the CRC can be cut from the method, and sample turnover times as low as 45 seconds for a multi-element analysis are feasible.In turn, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-lc-ms/lc-ms-systems/triple-quadrupole-lc-ms.html">triple quadrupole</a> ICP-MS systems, like the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/731546#/731546">Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQ ICP-MS</a>, may use a larger variety of gases for interference removal, among them helium, oxygen, hydrogen or ammonia. With dedicated measurement modes set up for specific analytes, superior interference removal is accomplished, allowing you to tackle challenging sample matrices and eliminating difficult interferences (such as doubly charged or isobaric interferences). However, each mode and each gas switch adds a few seconds to the method, so that a fully blown method using all available options may end up with extended sample turnover times, which may not be acceptable in a busy laboratory.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Is_There_a_Way_to_Improve_Both_Data_Quality_and_Productivity_in_2_8079c12318.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Is There a Way to Improve Both Data Quality and Productivity in." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Is_There_a_Way_to_Improve_Both_Data_Quality_and_Productivity_in_2_8079c12318.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="815" height="324">Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQe ICP-MSWhile the inherent complexity of setting up a method has been reduced by innovative software tools, like the Reaction Finder method development assistant available in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution™ Software</a>, complex installation requirements and analysis times have been a barrier for adoption of triple quadrupole ICP-MS systems in applied testing laboratories.So is there again only a choice between two aspects of technology that seem to be incompatible with each other? Well, there is a new way to combine the superior interference removal of a triple quadrupole with the speed of a single quadrupole.The application experts in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Center of Excellence for Mass Spectrometry in Bremen, Germany, have recently developed a new method based on the use of oxygen as the only reactive gas in a method designed for a triple quadrupole ICP-MS system. Oxygen provides a wealth of chemical reactions to fully eliminate all interferences on common contaminants (such as chromium, arsenic, cadmium and mercury), but also provides comparable performance for elements not immediately benefitting from this reactive gas (e.g., typical matrix elements such as sodium, potassium, calcium or iron).At the same time, sample turnover times of just a little more than 1 minute are possible, so that several hundreds of samples can be analyzed during a shift, with no concerns about sample re-runs or data quality. The team has used a<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/BRE731556#/BRE731556"> Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQe ICP-MS</a>, an instrument designed specifically for laboratories looking to improve both interference removal and productivity. Independent of the matrix, this instrument allows you to overcome all current challenges, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/AN_43446_TQ_ICP_MS_Food_Apple_Tomato_Leaves_AN_43446_EN_9674d8e0c0.pdf">for example in the analysis of foodstuffs</a>, and sets the lab up for increased sample loads or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/document-connect/document-connect.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.thermofisher.com%2FTFS-Assets%2FCMD%2FApplication-Notes%2Fan-44479-icp-ms-rare-earth-elements-contaminants-an44479-en.pdf&amp;title=QXBwbGljYXRpb24gTm90ZTogSW50ZWdyYXRpb24gb2YgUmFyZSBFYXJ0aCBFbGVtZW50cyAoUkVFKSBpbnRvIGEgTm92ZWwgSUNQLU1TIE1ldGhvZCBmb3IgRW52aXJvbm1lbnRhbCBBbmFseXNpcw==">new sets of analytes</a> waiting to be taken on.If you would like to know more about how to overcome the seemingly impregnable gap between superior interference removal and productivity in the busy laboratory, please check out the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/BRE731556#/BRE731556">iCAP TQe ICP-MS</a>.

Is There a Way to Improve Both Data Quality and Productivity in

Accurate and precise 230Th/232Th isotope ratio measurement by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using a pre-cell mass filter for collision/reaction cell (MC-ICP-MS/MS)

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 5th May 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you brochure by Agilent Technologies, application note by Shimadzu and other document by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Enhance Your Capabilities with the Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+60+UV-Vis">Cary 60 UV-Vis</a> Spectrophotometer and Fiber Optic Probes</h3>Improve your lab operations<ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.cz/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/brochure_fiber_optic_cary_60_uv_vis_5994_8058en_agilent_1_4116ecd93e.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>Remote capabilities with fiber optic probes&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+60+UV-Vis">Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis </a>spectrophotometer can be paired with fiber optic probes to unlock the potential for measurements that are not possible with traditional methods. These fiber optic probes allow for remote analysis, enabling a range of difficult measurements to be obtained, such as:&nbsp;<ul><li>Measurements of small volumes, or of hot/cold samples&nbsp;</li><li>Measurements in controlled environments such as fume hoods or glove boxes&nbsp;</li><li>Measurements from areas in which it is difficult to obtain a sample, such as reaction vessels</li></ul>This remote analysis capability therefore enhances safety and convenience in the lab.&nbsp;<h4>Enhanced workflow efficiency&nbsp;</h4>Switching to the fiber optic probes can dramatically improve the UV-Vis analysis workflow. Unlike traditional cuvette analyses, fiber optic probes are significantly easier to wash and clean. In addition, the probes are very robust, unlike cuvettes (particularly quartz/glass), which can be expensive to replace when broken. This translates into a faster and more efficient process, allowing operators to focus on their analysis rather than on sample introduction.<h4>Performance comparison: fiber optic probe vs. cuvettes</h4>Our comparative study displays the reliability of the fiber optic probe for quick and easy measurements. The probe (1 cm pathlength) was connected to the Cary 60 UV-Vis via the fiber optic coupler to measure the absorbance of five standards (n = 5) of thymol blue in test tubes where serial dilutions had taken place.<h4>Improve your lab operations&nbsp;</h4>The Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer combined with fiber optic probes offers a simple approach to sample measurement, providing remote capabilities and improving workflow efficiency. Enhance your lab operations and experience the benefits of this powerful combination.&nbsp;<h4>Why choose the fiber optic probe?&nbsp;</h4>The fiber optic probe provides a range of benefits:&nbsp;<ul><li>Ease of use: The probe is simple to operate, reducing the time and effort required for measurements.&nbsp;</li><li>Durability: Built to withstand rigorous laboratory conditions, the probe is made from quartz, PTFE, stainless steel, and torlon, ensuring long-term reliability.&nbsp;</li><li>Lab efficiency: The probe provides time savings and increased productivity.&nbsp;</li><li>Cost saving: No cuvette is required.&nbsp;</li><li>Enhanced safety: Handling of hazardous chemicals are not required.&nbsp;</li><li>Remote measurement: Samples can be measured from any vessel type, up to meters away from the instrument.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>2. Shimadzu: Determination of Trace Elements in Whole Blood by ICP-MS with Simple Dilution of Samples</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_03_icpms_230_en_8591295dc7.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits:</h4><ul><li>Whole blood samples are directly diluted and tested to avoid contamination and losses caused by complex pretreatment processes, while saving labor and time costs.</li><li>Low sample consumption enables simultaneous analysis of trace elements in batch samples for research.&nbsp;</li></ul>Elements are crucial substances that sustain normal metabolism and life activities within the human body. They serve as components of certain enzymes, hormones, and so on in the body and are also significant indicators of human nutritional status. Blood is a common biological fluid, a complex liquid mixture mainly composed of water, proteins, glucose, mineral salts, and red and white blood cells. Meanwhile, blood samples for research are characterized by small size yet large in quantity. Therefore, how to rapidly, accurately, and simply detect the content of multiple trace elements in bulk whole blood is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.This article uses a mixed dilution solution of 0.2% HNO3+0.1 mg/L Au to dilute whole blood samples 20 times, and directly determines the content of 19 elements including Fe, Ca, Mg, Se, Hg, Pb in the samples by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=ICPMS-2050">ICPMS-2050</a>.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The content of trace elements in whole blood was determined with Shimadzu ICPMS-2050. The method was achieved with simple pre-processing, low pollution, low sample consumption, high accuracy, fast analysis speed. From the analysis result, even ICPMS-2040 with only He collision can meet the elemental analysis in whole blood. In addition, ICPMS-2050 with the H2 mode can improve the sensitivity of Se.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Pushing the limits for trace elemental analysis using triple quadrupole ICP-MS</h3><ul><li>Other (Case study)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.cz/paper/29032">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Ultra Trace Analysis Aquitaine (UT2A) was formed in 1999 as a spin-off laboratory from the University of Pau, France, and is today a renowned independent technology center dedicated to inorganic analysis. The team’s mission is to help their clients fully understand the elemental content of their samples—not just supporting them by performing analyses but also helping established laboratories develop and fully optimize existing methods, up to the generation of ready to implement SOPs. UT2A collaborates with customers from all industries and analyzes a wide range of samples, including waters, foods, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. UT2A also provides solutions to test established methods for evaluation of performance.Jean Dumont is an application engineer with a background in elemental speciation who is now managing the routine analysis performed in the laboratory. He joined UT2A in 2003 as one of the first of what is now a team of 11 technical experts and lab technicians in the field of elemental analysis. “The first ICP-MS I used did not yet have a collision cell, so we had to be very careful with interferences,” says Jean. He adds, “For us, it is also very important to include sample preparation into our considerations as it is vital to get complete digestions and also to decrease detection limits due to backgrounds.”UT2A received a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1488">Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MTX ICP-MS</a> in their lab and have used it intensively and in full production over a period of 10 months. This was possible as the system was fully qualified using IQ/OQ. The instrument was usually operated twice per week, and on each day of operation, approximately 200 samples were run, including all blanks, standards, and QC checks.One sample that particularly benefitted from the novel technology within the iCAP MTX ICP-MS was an aqueous medical solution containing g∙L⁻¹ of NaCl but requiring a quite stringent quantification limit of 1 μg∙L⁻¹ for iron. Considering the 1:10 dilution, this means that the instrument needs to reliably detect 0.1 μg∙L⁻¹. “That was easily possible thanks to the great sensitivity of the instrument in KED (Kinetic Energy Discrimination) mode,” says Jean. This can be easily complemented by using reactive gases and triple quadrupole technology for advanced interference removal when needed. One example was a request to analyze selenium in a product that contains high levels of gadolinium, creating an interference through doubly charged ions.Running such samples with only a light dilution upfront usually means a lot of maintenance on conventional ICP-MS systems, as salt deposits may clog nebulizers or contaminate the interface area of an ICP-MS. Ultimately, such effects lead to drifts and QC failures, as well as declining sensitivity over time. The Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MX Series ICP-MS instruments come with a redesigned sample introduction system and interface, greatly reducing such unwanted matrix effects. While the new interface design significantly reduces deposition during sample analysis, intelligent Matrix Handling (or iMH) helps to further reduce exposure of the instrument during non-productive analysis times (i.e., sample uptake and wash). Samples containing even higher amounts of total dissolved solids (TDS) can be diluted automatically using argon gas directly in the instrument with the new Easy Argon Gas Dilution (Easy AGD).“We have used the matrix interface for this kind of analysis, and there was no deposition visible on the interface. No issues pointing towards an issue with cones, not even with undiluted seawater,” states Jean. If the interface needs to be cleaned, the easy access makes this a simple procedure, also for the sample introduction system. “In case we’re asked to really push the quantification limits, it is also great to be able to easily access the extraction lens on the backside of the interface,” says Jean. Compared to other instruments, the frequency of maintenance could be reduced. “I explained to my technicians earlier that you have to clean cones every time you use the instrument. However, with the iCAP MTX ICP-MS, we only cleaned the cones for really pushing the quantification limits—most of the time, it was not required and certainly not done as frequently as before.”For laboratories where operators are switching between different applications and instruments, software is a key element to success. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS) Software</a> is a strong asset. “I have used former versions of Qtegra software, and I am now happy with all functions integrated into a single graphical user interface. Qtegra software is easy to understand, even for new users.” Qtegra ISDS software allows users to define specific settings for each analyte, including different resolution settings on both quadrupoles. In addition, it comes with a series of useful tools supporting the efficiency of the laboratory, for example the Thermo Scientific™ Hawk™ Consumables and Maintenance Assistant, as well as the built-in feature set for Quality Control monitoring. “We have created a custom alert to remind us to perform a detector set up and cross calibration regularly—for us, this is a key step in gathering the best data,” says Jean.Based on the experience with the system, Jean Dumont is very happy with the iCAP MTX ICP-MS. “One thing I did not particularly like with previous generations of instruments was the peristaltic pump, but with the new EasyClick design, this is now eliminated. Sometimes tubings were changed just because of the schedule, not because they were worn out.”All in all, the addition of the iCAP MTX ICP-MS has left a strong impression in the laboratory. “If a customer were to ask me for my opinion on the iCAP MTX ICP-MS, I would say to do it,” concludes Jean.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 19, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 12th May 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you guide by Agilent Technologies, application note by Shimadzu and other document by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: The Basics of UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometry</h3>A primer for Modern Materials Analysis<ul><li>Guide</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/primer_uv_vis_nir_basics_5994_7919en_agilent_ad0d92fa33.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry is a powerful analytical technique used to study how materials interact with ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light. This method helps scientists investigate the electronic transitions in atoms and molecules, material compositions, and optical properties such as absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance across a broad wavelength range (typically 175 to 3300 nm).At the heart of a spectrophotometer are key components: a light source, a monochromator to isolate specific wavelengths, a sample compartment, and detectors. Agilent offers a range of advanced instruments such as the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=Cary+5000">Cary 5000</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=Cary+6000i">Cary 6000i</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=Cary+7000">Cary 7000</a> Universal Measurement Spectrophotometer (UMS). These systems enable high-precision measurements and support a wide variety of accessories—including diffuse and specular reflectance units, fiber-optic probes, and polarizers—tailored to different sample types and experimental needs.Applications span multiple fields. In photovoltaics, UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometers assess the quality and optical efficiency of solar cells by measuring diffuse reflectance and transmission. In semiconductor manufacturing, these instruments are used to map optical coatings and band gaps across wafers. In nanotechnology, they help characterize nanoparticles and quantum dots by identifying absorption profiles linked to particle size and dispersion.The technique also plays a critical role in biosciences for quantifying proteins and nucleic acids, and in quality control processes for color consistency in food, textiles, and eyewear. The Cary systems from Agilent deliver reliable and repeatable results across these diverse applications, especially when combined with the powerful <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=Cary+WinUV+software">Cary WinUV software</a> and certified reference materials.Overall, UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry remains essential in both research and industry for its versatility, precision, and the rich insights it provides into material and molecular properties.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Silicone Quantitation from Siliconized Rubber Stoppers by Using FTIR</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_06_saip_sp_078_en_e926481583.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits:</h4><ul><li>The present work provides an easy extraction method for fast and accurate quantitation of silicone.</li><li>The methodology can be adapted for extractable and leachable study of materials like pre-filled syringes, medical tubings and various drug delivery systems.</li></ul>Silicones are extensively employed in various industries due to their unique properties. In the pharmaceutical industry, they find numerous applications such as active ingredients, antifoaming agents, and excipients. They are also utilized in siliconization, pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, and packaging materials. Siliconization plays a vital role in the production of pre-fillable syringes, cartridges and rubber stoppers. Its purpose is to lubricate between the components which facilitates smooth gliding. It also enables a secure connection between the components like glass bottle and rubber stopper. By carefully optimizing the siliconization process parameters, it is possible to achieve a uniform coating while minimizing the presence of free silicone. To obtain quantitative information on the siliconization layers, it is essential to extract the silicone from siliconized components using organic solvents and then perform FTIR spectroscopy. This technique can provide crucial insights into the amount of silicone used on to the rubber stoppers. The present work demonstrates the application of FTIR for quantification of silicone in rubber stoppers.<h4>Experimental</h4>For the current study, the siliconized and non-siliconized rubber stoppers were collected from one of the manufacturers. Calibration curve was prepared by using USP reference standard Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The measurements were performed on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=IRSpirit-ZX">IRSpirit-ZX</a> (Figure 1). The instrumental parameters are given in Table 1. The parameters used for measurement are referred from United States Pharmacopea1) .<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>Different grades of rubber samples were analyzed by FTIR using fixed thickness cell of NaCl, and excellent repeatability was obtained. The use of Hexane for extraction proved to be effective method for extraction of silicone from rubber stoppers. The % recovery obtained demonstrates the accuracy and reliability of the developed methodology. The method can be used for the routine analysis of rubber stopper samples to measure the content of silicone.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: iCAP MX Series ICP-MS</h3><ul><li>Other document (Fact sheet)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/sl_003414_tea_elemental_analysis_icp_ms_green_fact_sheet_sl003414_na_en_c2c49c7ce7.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>We are committed to designing our products with the environment in mind. This fact sheet provides the rationale behind the environmental claim that the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MX Series ICP-MS uses up to 28% less energy. It is also responsibly packaged using 29% less material by weight and reduced in size by 22%.&nbsp;<h4>Product description&nbsp;</h4>The Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MSX Series ICP-MS offers the simplicity and productivity required in analytical testing laboratories, while the Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1488">iCAP™ MTX ICP-MS </a>provides the performance and flexibility needed to perform cutting-edge applications in research-oriented and testing laboratories.<h4>Green features&nbsp;</h4><h5>More energy efficient&nbsp;</h5>The previous model Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ RQplus ICP-MS used 34.31 kWh during an 8-hour operating day. The new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487">iCAP MSX ICP-MS</a> uses 24.67 kWh during an 8-hour operating day, reducing the energy use by 28%.1 The iCAP MTX ICP-MS can be run interchangeably with a dry vacuum pump or the traditional oil vacuum pump, resulting in an energy savings of 25% when paired with the oil pump and 10% when paired with the dry pump (Table 1).This savings represents 1.7 metric tons of CO2 equivalents annually, or the greenhouse gas emissions from driving approximately 4,305 miles in an average passenger car.2&nbsp;The change in energy efficiency is due to the optimized vacuum pumps and decreased pumping speed in stand-by mode. When taking the chiller into account, we can expect an even higher energy efficiency as the new Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra™ ISDS Software</a> controls the chiller, switching it off for stand-by mode.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 20, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 19th May 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you other document by Agilent Technologies, guide by Shimadzu and brochure by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: 5 Reasons You Need Onsite Metals Analysis Capabilities for Battery Recycling</h3><ul><li>Other document</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/quickref_battery_recycling_infographic_icp_oes_5994_8002en_agilent_024ec4b399.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>1. Monitoring airborne particulates&nbsp;Mechanical separation e.g. shredding, creates airborne particulates, hazardous to human health and the environment. ICP-OES can be used to monitor air filters to ensure regulatory compliance.&nbsp;2. Analyzing black mass&nbsp;The powder from separation, known as “black mass”, is widely refined through hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. ICP-OES effectively measures impurities to ensure the final product quality meets specifications.&nbsp;3. Monitoring and optimizing recycling processes&nbsp;Efficient separation is vital for effective downstream processing. Onsite ICP-OES enables real-time monitoring and optimization at each stage, maximizing material recovery like feedstock chemicals.&nbsp;4. Ensuring QC of input chemicals&nbsp;Purity of chemicals used in battery recycling is crucial to avoid introducing contaminants in the final product. For example, leaching – a common purification step – uses strong acids and solvents to isolate compounds.5. Monitoring environmental discharges&nbsp;Thorough chemical analysis of emissions and waste can be achieved using ICP-OES to ensure the correct and safe disposal of these by-products.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Application Data Book - Polymer and Electronic Material</h3><ul><li>Guide</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/c160_e010_c8512bcb71.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The Shimadzu "Thermal Analysis 60 Series Application Data Book" is a comprehensive technical compendium showcasing the use of Shimadzu thermal analysis instruments—primarily the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=+DSC-60"> DSC-60</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=DTG-60">DTG-60</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=TGA-50">TGA-50</a>—for analyzing a wide array of polymeric and electronic materials. This application-focused book is structured into several sections that highlight practical case studies across categories such as plastics, electronic materials, and battery components, demonstrating how thermal techniques can be used to measure melting behavior, crystallization, decomposition, and glass transition properties.In the section dedicated to plastics, studies examine the thermal responses of materials such as PET, PEEK, nylon, polypropylene, and polyimide. The influence of thermal history on crystallinity and thermal stability is highlighted through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. For instance, the book explains how rapid cooling affects PET’s amorphous structure and how glass transition shifts depending on sample morphology and processing history. Shimadzu’s DSC-60 is used throughout to detect transitions such as glass transitions and melting points with high sensitivity and resolution.When analyzing electronic materials, the book includes examples such as thermal decomposition of diodes and quantification of quartz in epoxy resins. Using Shimadzu’s DTG-60, these analyses reveal how semiconductor components decompose and how fillers like quartz contribute to thermal resistance. Similarly, for lead-free solder materials, melting behavior is compared to traditional Sn-Pb alloys, emphasizing the importance of composition in defining thermal performance—a critical aspect in electronics manufacturing.The section on battery and fuel cell materials underscores the role of thermal analysis in energy-related applications. Using the DSC-60, separators in lithium-ion batteries are examined for their melting characteristics, which are crucial for safety mechanisms. The book also delves into analyzing Nafion® membranes for polymer fuel cells, using DSC to interpret water cluster dynamics that influence conductivity. These examples collectively illustrate how Shimadzu’s thermal analysis instruments provide valuable insights into the thermal behavior of modern materials used across diverse industries.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Scientific <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1715">iSC-65 Autosampler</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra ISDS Software</a>: reliability to power through your challenging ICP-OES and ICP-MS workflows</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/sl_001587_tea_isc_65_autosampler_and_qtegra_isds_software_sl001587_en_0809719473.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1715">Thermo Scientific™ iSC-65 Autosampler</a>, controlled by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution™ (ISDS) Software</a>, is a robust, feature-rich sample introduction system with advanced hardware and software capabilities designed to improve productivity and profitability in your routine workflow.&nbsp;The iSC-65 Autosampler is compatible with the Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=231&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=icap+pro+icp-oes">iCAP™ PRO Series ICP-OES</a> and iCAP™ Qnova Series ICP-MS instruments. It is ideally suited for use in applications in environmental, food, industrial, battery technology, sustainable fuels, petrochemical, and pharma markets that require reliable sampling over extended periods.&nbsp;<h5>Key hardware features&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>An industry-proven three-axis screw thread design reliably drives the sample probe with sub mm accuracy and precision.&nbsp;</li><li>Materials that are resistant to common chemicals and acid are used throughout, allowing for reliable, contamination-free operation over extended periods.&nbsp;</li><li>Up to four industry standard sample racks can be installed at one time. Racks with vial capacities of 21, 24, 40, 60, and 90 are supported.&nbsp;</li><li>A dedicated area for 50 mL (either flat or round base) tubes is provided, ideal for solutions that need to be repeatedly analyzed, for example, quality control standards.</li><li>In case of accidental spillage, the sample rack tray can be removed, and fittings are provided to support either a gravity drain to the front or a pumped drain to the rear of the iSC-65 Autosampler.&nbsp;</li><li>The two-channel rinse station is fed by a dedicated rinse pump that can be used to remove excess rinse solution or fitted to a gravity drain. The rinse station is removable for cleaning and is connected to tubing with luer style fittings for ease of use and peace of mind.&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Key sampling capabilities&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Step Ahead – sends the probe to the rinse station during data acquisition, using the sample volume in the probe and transfer tubing to complete the analysis. Less sample solution is required, decreasing waste and instrument wear, and less time is required to rinse, reducing rinse solution usage and accelerating sample throughput. &nbsp;</li><li>Flexible sampling depths – vial-specific probe depths enable correct sampling to avoid suspended particles that could otherwise lead to blockages, minimizing maintenance and potential exchange of sample introduction components.</li></ul><h5>Software features built on hardware capabilities&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>The Thermo Scientific iSC-65 Autosampler is controlled through a dedicated software plug-in within the Qtegra ISDS Software platform. A high clarity, easy to follow, visual workflow is carried through multiple views.&nbsp;</li><li>A dedicated view for the iSC-65 Autosampler is accessible in the Qtegra ISDS Software Dashboard that provides access to common autosampler actions – probe movement, pump speed control, etc.</li></ul>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 21, 2025

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Restek at ISC 2026

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Managing 4D-STEM data with smarter acquisition

Spatial Proteomics for Translational Research

Streamlining Endotoxin Testing: Automated Sample Preparation and Audit-Ready Workflows for QC Laboratories