Chemical vapor generation characteristics of transition and noble metals reacting with tetrahydroborate(III)

The vapor generation characteristics of several transition and noble metals arising from reduction of their aquo-ions by tetrahydroborate(III) are presented. A modified parallel path Burgener Teflon nebulizer interfaced to an ICP-MS for detection was used to examine the effects of experimental variables. The influence of both hydrochloric and nitric acid as well as the nature of the surface exposed to the nascent species is of paramount importance to the overall efficiency of the generation process. Both glass and Ryton double pass spray chambers were examined, the latter providing superior performance with respect to sensitivity as well as memory effects. Data were presented for the generation of vapor phase species of Rh, Pd, Au and Cu that can be collected in a weakly acidic medium for subsequent release as a gaseous product.