Photochemical vapor generation of Zinc and Gallium

Photochemical vapor generation (PVG) of Zinc (Zn) and Gallium (Ga) was firstly reported in this study. The main parameters influencing PVG of Zn and Ga were investigated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), such as the type and concentration of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs), the concen-tration of transition metal ions and their synergistic effects, the wavelength and time of UV irradiation, and pH of sample solution. Formic acid (FA) and Cu2+ were required for the generation of volatile species of Zn and Ga. In addition, the effects of interfering ions on the PVG of Zn and Ga were investigated. Good precisions with 2.3% and 2.7% were obtained under the selected conditions for replicate measurement of 200 ng mL-1 Zn and Ga standard solution (n = 7), respectively. The limits of detection (LOD, 3 sigma, n = 11) were calculated to be 8.8 ng mL-1 and 0.77 ng mL-1 for Zn and Ga with PVG-ICP-MS measurement, respectively. Carbonyl compounds were speculated to be formed in this study. Moreover, nanoparticles containing Cu, Zn or Ga were found in liquid solution after UV irradiation, which may be useful for investigating the formation of natural nanoparticles in environment as well as the isotope fractionation of Zn and Ga in photochemical processes.

Automated summary

Photochemical vapor generation (PVG) of Zinc (Zn) and Gallium (Ga) was reported for the first time in this study. The study investigated the main parameters influencing PVG of Zn and Ga and found that formic acid (FA) and Cu2+ were required for the generation of volatile species. The study also examined the effects of interfering ions on PVG of Zn and Ga and speculated the formation of carbonyl compounds. Good precisions and low limits of detection were achieved with PVG-ICP-MS measurement. Furthermore, nanoparticles containing Cu, Zn or Ga were discovered in the liquid solution after UV irradiation.