Analytical parameters of ethanol solutions in a 40 MHz inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer

Abstract

The effect of ethanol loading of a 40 MHz inductively coupled plasma was investigated by adding ethanol to an aqueous as well as an organic solvent and measuring the effects. Electron density increased as the ethanol concentration in the aqueous solutions increased, reaching a maximum for 25% v/v ethanol. The maximum intensity of the Hα line was found when using 60% ethanol. Additions of ethanol to aqueous samples led to an increase in sensitivity. For the organic solvent, xylene, additions of ethanol decreased the electron density and a corresponding decrease in sensitivity was obtained. Analysis of a standard reference oil resulted in values close to those certified.