Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) is an analytical technique used in the field of chemistry to analyze the elemental composition of a sample. It is based on the principles of atomic emission spectroscopy, wherein the emission of light by atoms is measured to determine their presence and concentration.
ICP-AES involves the use of an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) as the sample introduction system. The ICP is created by the ionization of a suitable gas, typically argon, using radiofrequency energy. The resulting plasma consists of a highly energized state with a temperature of around 6000-8000 Kelvin.
The sample to be analyzed is introduced into the ICP as an aerosol, which is created by nebulizing the liquid sample with a high-pressure gas. In the plasma, the heat causes the sample atoms to become excited and then return to their ground state, emitting characteristic wavelengths of light in the process.
The emitted light is collected by an optical system and passed through a spectrometer, which disperses the light into its component wavelengths. Photodetectors then measure the intensity of each wavelength, producing a spectrum that can be analyzed to identify the elements present in the sample and quantify their concentrations.
ICP-AES offers several advantages, including high sensitivity, wide elemental coverage, and excellent precision. It is commonly used in environmental analysis, geological studies, industrial quality control, and material characterization, among others.
