A novel procedure of powdered samples immobilization and multi-point calibration of LA ICP MS

The procedure enabling multi-point calibration of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA ICP MS), for the analysis of powdered solid samples, was developed. Certified reference materials (CRMs) available in the form of powders, e. g. soils, sediments or ashes, were used for this purpose. Stable, homogeneous and mechanically resistant targets with immobilized powder were prepared by mixing powdered solids with zinc oxide, which were then solidified by 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol via the formation of a zinc complex. As-prepared targets were subjected to laser ablation for multi-elemental ICP MS measurements. For a number of elements: Al, Ba, Co, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sb, U and V, the linear correlation coefficients between the mass of the CRM and the intensity of the signal were above 0.99. The accuracy of the proposed calibration procedure, with the use of matrix matched calibration standards, was evaluated by analyzing soil and sediment certified reference materials. A good agreement of the obtained results supports the selection of zinc 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl) phenol complex as suitable for immobilization of powders for LA ICP MS measurements.