Particle beam sample introduction into glow discharge plasmas for speciation analysis

This paper reviews the use of the particle beam (PB) as a transport-type interface for the introduction of liquid samples into glow discharge (GD) plasmas. Emphasis is placed on the PB interface as a coupling for liquid chromatography (LC) with optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection methods. Advantages and disadvantages of the particle beam sample introduction for LC–MS and LC–OES as well as a comparison with other interfaces (i.e. moving belt) are covered. Fundamental aspects of the particle beam such as solvent removal and analyte delivery are highlighted. Furthermore, the development of the particle beam interface is discussed regarding its potential for providing “comprehensive speciation” analysis of solution-phase samples. Specifically, the particle beam/hollow cathode–optical emission spectroscopy (PB/HC–OES) technique provides information towards metal and non-metals determinations as well molecular species identification of organic compounds, organometallics, and small biomolecules via empirical formulae determinations. Particle beam–glow discharge mass spectrometry (PB/GDMS) also provides molecular species information through fragmentation pattern analysis of plasma-produced mass spectra that are similar in structure to electron impact (EI) sources. The evolving capabilities of the PB/GD couplings deliver analytical information that is not available from any other spectrochemical source. The technique has relevance to an incredible range of analytical applications and warrants further investigation by other researchers and instrument manufacturers.