Glass Frit Nebulizer for Atomic Spectrometry

Abstract

The nebullzation of sample solutions Is a critical step In most flame or plasma atomic spectrometric methods. A novel nebullzation technique, based on a porous glass frit, has been Investigated. Basic operating parameters and characteristics have been studied to determine how this new nebulizer may be applied to atomic spectrometric methods. The results of preliminary comparisons with pneumatic nebulizers Indicate several notable differences. The frit nebulizer produces a smaller droplet size distribution and has a higher sample transport efficiency. The mean droplet size Is approximately 0.1µm, and up to 94% of the sample Is converted to usable aerosol. The most significant limitations In the performance of the frit nebulizer are the slow sample equilibration time and the requirement for wash cycles between samples. Loss of solute by surface adsorption and contamination of samples by leaching from the glass were both found to be limitations only in unusual cases. This nebulizer shows great promise where sample volume Is limited or where measurements require long nebullzation times. © 1982, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.