University of Notre Dame ICP-MS Analytical Research Facility

The Center for Bioengineering and Pollution Control and the Department of Civil Engineering & Geological Sciences possesses one of the most sophisticated and well equipped "Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)" Analytical Research facilities in the country. ICP-MS is a versatile, rapid and precise analytical technique providing a high quality multi-element and isotopic analysis package.

The detection limits for most elements are at the sub=ppb level.

The versatility of ICP-MS make it a multi-disciplinary analytical tool (e.g., Geological & Environmental Sciences, Medicine, Nuclear & Semi-Conductor Industries, Materials Science, Agriculture, and Food & Biological Sciences).

Clean room facilities ensure contamination-free sample preparation.

The VG PlasmaQuad II ICP-MS is equipped with various sample introduction techniques:

Electrothermal Vaporization (Graphite Furnace);

Flo-Injection for concentrated solutions;

Hydride Generator (hydrocarbon-rich samples;

Laser Sampling system (solid samples);

Autosampling capabilities for large sample batches;

UltraSonic Nebulization for ultratrace element analyses (ppq detection).

The accessories enhance the versatility of ICP-MS in terms of handling samples of various types (biological, geological, etc.), concentrations, chemical matrix, mineralogy, & structure.

The sample is introduced into a radio frequency induced plasma (approximately 6,000 K) in the form of a solution, vapor, or solid. The high thermal energy and electron-rich environment of the CIP resultes in conversion of most sample atoms into ions. The quadrupole mass spectrometer permits detection of ions at each mass in rapid sequence, allowing signals individual isotopes of an element to be scanned. Various analytical packages (i.e., trace, rare earth, platinum group elements) are currently available.

Interested parties are encouraged to discuss their analytical needs and cost of analysis before submitting samples to the ICP-MS Facility. Joint research, as well as contract work is conducted.

For more information regarding the Notre Dame ICP-MS Facility for your inorganic analytical needs, please contact Drs. Clive Neal and Jinesh Jain at the University of Notre Dame: (219) 631-8328/9049.