Modified Babington nebulizer for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A PTFE Babington nebulizer equipped with a hood was investigated for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in conjunction with a PTFE cyclone chamber, in order to nebulize various sample solutions containing high salts, hydrofluoric acid and/or suspended solid. A hood of 3 mmo (nozzle side) - 5 mmo (outlet side) and 6 mm in length gave a comparable or higher sensitivity compared to a system with a commercially available concentric nebulizer and a glass cyclone chamber. Moreover, the present nebulizer was fully interchangeable with a concentric one at normal argon pressure, attaining sufficient stability, a short wash-out time and good nebulizing of high matrices solutions. The present system was successfully applied to the determination of trace impurities in highly pure silica powders.