logo

ETV-ICP-OES

What Is ETV-ICP-OES?

ETV-ICP-OES (Electrothermal Vaporization–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry) is an elemental analysis technique that combines electrothermal vaporization (ETV) for sample introduction with ICP-OES for multi-element detection. Instead of introducing a liquid aerosol (as in standard nebulization ICP-OES), ETV uses a heated furnace/graphite device to dry, ash, and vaporize a small amount of sample and then transports the vapor into the plasma for measurement.

ETV-ICP-OES is especially useful when:

  • sample volume is limited,

  • matrices are difficult for nebulization (high salts, organics, viscous liquids—project-dependent),

  • you want improved control over matrix removal (dry/ash steps) before elemental measurement.

Key advantages

  • Small sample requirement (µL–mg range, project-dependent)

  • Matrix handling flexibility via staged heating (dry/ash/vaporize)

  • Multi-element capability of ICP-OES with alternative sample introduction

  • Helpful for challenging or limited-quantity samples (project-dependent)

What ETV-ICP-OES Is Used For

ETV-ICP-OES is commonly used for:

  • Trace and minor element screening in difficult matrices (scope-dependent)

  • High-organic or viscous samples where standard nebulization is unstable (project-dependent)

  • High-salt or high-TDS samples where matrix suppression is a concern (project-dependent)

  • Limited sample mass/volume investigations (e.g., residues, extracts, micro-samples—project-dependent)

  • Process troubleshooting where elemental contamination is suspected

  • QC comparisons across lots/suppliers when sample prep must be minimized

Why ETV (vs. Standard ICP-OES Nebulization)?

Standard ICP-OES typically requires samples to be in a suitable liquid form and introduced as a fine aerosol. ETV can help when:

  • Aerosol formation is problematic (viscous, oily, high dissolved solids)

  • You want to remove matrix components (dry/ash) before vaporizing analytes

  • You have very small sample amounts and want to avoid dilution

ETV does not replace digestion-based ICP for every case—rather, it is a specialized option for certain matrices and constraints.

Sample Types We Support

ETV-ICP-OES can be applied to many sample types (project-dependent), including:

  • High-salt solutions: brines, process waters, certain cleaning baths

  • High-organic matrices: oils, fuels, lubricants, polymer extracts (project-dependent)

  • Viscous liquids & concentrates: formulations, additives, syrups (project-dependent)

  • Micro-samples: residues, deposits, filtered solids after suitable prep (project-dependent)

  • Industrial chemicals: challenging matrices requiring controlled introduction

Best practice: include a reference/control sample when the goal is “what changed?”

Typical Workflows

Multi-Element Screening (Fast Triage)

Best for: contamination suspicion, lot comparison

  • Define target element list (or broad panel)

  • Run controlled ETV temperature program (dry/ash/vaporize)

  • Report results with QC notes and comparisons (if applicable)

Method Fit Check (ETV vs Alternative)

Best for: deciding the best method for your matrix/limits

  • Short feasibility check to evaluate stability, interferences, and sensitivity

  • Recommend final method: ETV-ICP-OES vs standard ICP-OES vs ICP-MS (project-dependent)

Root Cause Support (With Complementary Tools)

Best for: linking metals to deposits, corrosion, or product defects

  • ETV-ICP-OES screening to identify elemental suspects

  • Pair with SEM-EDS (localized particles), XRF (screening solids), or ICP-MS (lower limits) as needed

What You Receive

  • Multi-element results table with units and reporting limits (scope-dependent)

  • Sample introduction notes and QC checks (blank/control, repeatability—project-dependent)

  • Comparison summary (reference vs suspect) highlighting key deltas

  • Practical conclusions and recommended next steps (when used for investigations)

Sample Submission Guidelines

Please provide

  • Matrix description (salt level, organic content, viscosity) and hazards (SDS)

  • Target elements and required limits (if any)

  • Sample amount available and whether dilution is acceptable

  • Lot/batch IDs and the reason for testing (QC, troubleshooting, qualification)

  • Reference/control sample whenever possible

Typical sample amounts

  • Liquids: a few mL (often enough, depending on repeats and QC)

  • Solids/residues: tens of mg after appropriate prep (project-dependent)

Packaging tips

  • Use clean, compatible containers; avoid metal caps if ultra-trace metals are critical

  • Label clearly (reference vs suspect, sample point/time)

  • For high-salt samples, note any precipitation or crystals present

FAQs

Not always. The main advantage is sample introduction and matrix handling, not necessarily lower detection limits. If you need very low limits, ICP-MS may be preferred.

Often ETV can help with high-organic matrices, but feasibility is matrix- and element-dependent. We may recommend dilution, micro-emulsion prep, or alternative approaches depending on your goals.

ICP-OES covers a wide range of elements, but not every element is equally accessible, and interferences are matrix-dependent. We’ll confirm the best panel for your matrix and targets.

Yes—the portion vaporized in the furnace is consumed during analysis.

Strongly recommended for troubleshooting and “what changed?” comparisons.

Have additional questions?
OR
  • +86 137 6417 8738
  • yangxbd@gmail.com
Contact Us

For general inquiries, please fill out the form below and we will have someone from our team contact you as soon as possible.