Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

ICP-MS is a powerful analytical tool for elemental analysis. With its superior sensitivity and precision, it has set new standards for trace analysis, making it an indispensable tool in diverse industries.

Combined two techniques of inductively coupled plasma and mass spectrometry, ICP-MS is an analytical technique used to detect and quantify trace elements. It's process involves ionizing the sample with inductively coupled plasma and then using a mass spectrometer to separate and quantify those ions. The combination of the two methods allows for the precise and accurate analysis of trace elements, making ICP-MS a versatile analytical technique used in various research and commercial laboratories globally.

Fig. 1. Image of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry instrument.

Characteristics of ICP-MS

ICP-MS holds several features that make it an outstanding choice for precise elemental analysis.

Firstly, it offers incredibly high sensitivity, allowing the detailed detection of elements ranging typically in level from parts per thousand to parts per billion.
Secondly, it can do rapid multi-element analysis, achieving simultaneous detection of elements (up to 70).
Thirdly, it is capable of distinguishing isotopes, allowing it to quantify isotopic compositions.
Another feature is its wide dynamic range, capable of measuring trace and minor elements in one analytical run.
Moreover, the ICP-MS is also characterized by its speed, often capturing a complete multi-elemental scan within seconds, and its multielemental capability, capable of scanning for all elements from lithium to uranium.

What is ICP-MS Used For?

ICP-MS analysis can be used to identify and quantify various minor and trace elements in various samples for different fields.

Samples that can be detected include: Solids, liquids, slurries, thin film and etc., and sample size as small as 0.01 g.
Elements that can be detected are: Elements from Li to U excepting C, N, O, Cl, Br, I and S.
Fields that can be applied include: Environmental samples, semiconductor industry (various materials and reagents such as high purity reagents, high purity metals, photoresist and cleaning agents, etc.), food, pharmaceutical and life sciences, mining samples, nuclear industry, industrial products (including electronics, ceramics, chemicals and polymers), metallurgy and materials science (metals and alloys), petroleum and petrochemical industry, etc.

Application of ICP-MS in Deformulation

ICP-MS is incredibly useful in deformulation. With its incredible sensitivity, ICP-MS can accurately identify and quantify all major, minor, and trace elements and metals present in the formulations of variouos products, which is widely used in deformulation analysis for various samples. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, ICP-MS can help identify active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, or any potential contaminant in the sample. It also can decipher the concentration of mineral components in a cosmetic product. In addition, ICP-MS is also commonly applied in deformulating metal and alloys, metallic coatings, pigments, ceramics, polymers, and other materials. By identifying and quantifying elemental composition, ICP-MS enables a detailed understanding of a product's quality, durability, and potential health risks.

How We Can Help You?

As a leading provider of analytical solutions, our team is fully equipped with the knowledge and expertise in ICP-MS. We offer comprehensive deformulation services based on ICP-MS. Whether you are monitoring pharmaceutical pollutants, detecting contaminants in foods, or scrutinizing and analyzing a product formula of durgs, cosmetic, metallic coatings, pigments, ceramics, polymers, and other materials, we can deliver accurate and timely results to help you make informed decisions. Moreover, our scientists stay updated with the latest developments in ICP-MS, ensuring the most efficient analysis strategy for your needs, assisting you to unlock the secrets hidden in your samples.

Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.