Tandem quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the quantitative and isotopic analysis of rare earth elements and radionuclides

Abstract

Tandem quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS/QMS) provides an effective approach for separating spectral interferences without sacrificing the signal intensity due to the increased requirement for mass resolution. This feature is especially important for the analysis of rare earth elements (REEs) and radionuclides, the accurate and precise measurement of which usually suffer from severe spectral interferences. The present review covers the advances and applications of ICP-QMS/QMS in the analysis of rare earth elements and radionuclides reported in around 150 articles since 2012, when the first commercially available ICP-QMS/QMS was released. Specifically, the strategies for separating spectral interferences are highlighted, including chemical separation prior to the analysis, reaction cell technique in ICP-QMS/QMS measurement, and post-analysis mathematical correction. Subsequently, the improvements in the analytical figures of merits are summarized along with the major advancements, focusing on REEs and radionuclides of Cs, I, Sr, U and Pu. Finally, the challenges and potential solutions to address them in future works are presented.