Determination of Elements at Sub-ppb Concentrations in Naphtha Mixtures Using the NexION 300/350 ICP-MS

The analysis of organic solvents by ICP-MS is challenging due to their high carbon content and volatility. Naphthas are an important class of organic liquids produced in the petrochemical industry, byproducts of the crude-oil refining process. Because they are organic based and have a variety of compositions, naphthas present a special challenge for ICP-MS analysis: the carbon causes polyatomic interferences and can clog interface cones, and the varying volatility means that it is difficult to use a single set of calibration standards for a variety of different naphtha compounds. Using the NexION® 300 ICP-MS, several naphtha compounds (ranging from light to heavy naphthas) were successfully analyzed using a single set of calibration standards and operating conditions, demonstrating the accuracy and stability of the method.