ICP-MS

Q: How is ICP-MS different from ICP-OES?

ICP-MS offers much lower detection limits and is better suited for trace and ultra-trace analysis, while ICP-OES is often used for higher concentration ranges.

What Is ICP-MS?

ICP-MS works by introducing a sample into a high-temperature argon plasma, where elements are atomized and ionized. The resulting ions are separated and detected by mass spectrometry based on their mass-to-charge ratio.

This combination provides exceptional sensitivity, wide elemental coverage, and rapid multi-element analysis in a single run.

What ICP-MS Measures

ICP-MS can detect and quantify:

Trace and ultra-trace metals
Major, minor, and impurity elements
Heavy metals (e.g., Pb, Cd, As, Hg)
Elemental profiles across the periodic table
Low-level contaminants introduced during processing

ICP-MS is especially effective when precise quantification of many elements is required simultaneously.

Why Use ICP-MS?

ICP-MS is chosen when elemental impurities may affect performance, reliability, or compliance. It helps answer questions such as:

Are trace metals present at unacceptable levels?
How do impurity profiles compare between suppliers or batches?
Did processing or handling introduce contamination?
Are elemental impurities linked to corrosion or failure?
Does the material meet high-purity requirements?

Even extremely low concentrations of certain elements can cause significant issues in advanced applications.

Typical Application Scenarios

Impurity & Trace Element Analysis

Detection of metallic contaminants
High-purity material qualification
Support for critical applications

Quality Control & Supplier Qualification

Incoming material inspection
Batch-to-batch consistency verification
Long-term impurity trend monitoring

Materials Characterization

Elemental profiling of metals, polymers, and composites
Comparison of formulations or processing routes
Support for material selection

Failure Analysis

Identification of trace elemental contributors to corrosion or degradation
Comparison of “good vs. failed” samples
Root-cause analysis involving elemental contamination

R&D & Product Development

Screening of new materials
Evaluation of processing effects on elemental composition
Optimization of formulations and treatments

Sample Types

ICP-MS can be applied to:

solids (after appropriate digestion)
liquids and solutions
polymers, coatings, and composites
chemicals and specialty materials

Sample preparation typically involves acid digestion or extraction to bring elements into solution prior to analysis.

What You Will Receive

Each ICP-MS project is delivered with a clear, structured report designed for engineering and quality decisions. A typical deliverable includes:

test objective and sample description
sample preparation and digestion method
ICP-MS operating conditions
quantitative elemental concentration results
comparison summaries (batch vs. batch, supplier vs. supplier)
interpretation of impurity impact on material performance
recommendations for corrective action or follow-up testing

Why Choose Xinbodi for ICP-MS?

Ultra-trace detection capability across many elements
Accurate, multi-element quantification in a single analysis
Experience with complex and high-purity materials
Clear interpretation linked to real application risks
Support for R&D, QC, and failure investigations
Strict confidentiality for proprietary materials and data