In atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), high-temperature atomizers excite a broad range of elements and molecules that generate complex emissions from sources such as oxides, hydroxides, and flame combustion products in the flame or plasma. Several strategies can be employed to minimize spectral interferences caused by overlapping emission lines or bands. These include increasing instrument resolution, choosing alternative emission lines, optimally placing the detector in low-background regions, or applying background correction techniques.
Chemical interferences occur when the analyte and other species in the flame react, forming stable compounds that do not dissociate, altering the analyte signals. These chemical interferences can often be eliminated or moderated using higher temperatures or releasing agents that selectively react with the interferent to release the analyte. Plasma sources contain abundant electrons, which help to offset ionization interference. Introducing easily ionizable elements into samples and standards also counteracts chemical interferences and improves sensitivity.
Organic solvents enhance the spectral line intensities due to higher flame temperature, faster feed rate, and smaller droplets in the aerosol. However, salts, acids, and other dissolved species may depress emission intensity, necessitating careful sample/standard matching. Fewer species remain stable in plasma, reducing interference from inorganic anions, organic solvents, and other dissolved species.
Further, the ground state analyte atoms in the outer flame regions may absorb the radiation emitted by the excited atoms in the flame center, decreasing emission intensity. However, this is less likely in plasma because of the shorter path length and more uniform temperature.
From Chapter 14:
Now Playing
Atomic Spectroscopy
82 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
434 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
169 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
332 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
298 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
198 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
217 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
300 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
175 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
355 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
174 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
311 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
117 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
91 Views
Atomic Spectroscopy
150 Views
See More
Copyright © 2025 MyJoVE Corporation. All rights reserved
We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website.
By continuing to use our website or clicking “Continue”, you are agreeing to accept our cookies.