Demonstration of a Rapid HPLC-ICPMS Direct Coupling Technique Using IDMS-Project Report: Part I

Staff members working in chemical separations and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry have developed a rapid separation-direct analysis scheme to determine both concentration and isotopics of a suite of elements down to the low picogram level. To reach the goal of rapid analysis of post-detonation nuclear materials, this first phase in method development has shown both the sensitivity and stability to achieve the precise, low-level analyses required. By coupling a high pressure ion chromatography system to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, researchers can achieve online analysis of the separated components of the sample directly. Using theT hermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ analysis software, the data has been processed automatically to yield precise isotopic composition and concentrations.