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Comparison and Selection of ICP-OES and ICP-MS technologies
- Authors
- Name
- Universal Lab
- @universallab
Technical Principle
ICP-OES:ICP-OES is an analytical technique based on atomic emission spectroscopy. When the sample enters the plasma, the atoms and ions in the sample are excited and emit light of specific wavelengths. By detecting these light signals, the content of each element in the sample can be determined. ICP-OES uses an optical system to split, detect and process the data of optical signals, thereby achieving the simultaneous determination of multiple elements.
ICP-MS:ICP-MS is an analytical technique based on mass spectrometry. In ICP-MS, the atoms and ions in the sample are excited by the plasma and enter the ion source part of the mass spectrometer. In the ion source, the atoms and ions in the sample are ionized and form charged particles. These charged particles are affected by the electromagnetic field in the mass analyzer and are separated and detected according to the difference of their mass/charge ratio (m/z). By detecting the ion signals of different m/z, the content and isotope information of each element in the sample can be determined.

Application Fields
ICP-OES:ICP-OES can be used to determine the major elements, trace elements and ultra-trace elements in samples. ICP-OES plays an important role in environmental monitoring, product quality control and scientific research, etc.
ICP-MS:ICP-MS can be used to determine the major elements, trace elements, ultra-trace elements and isotopes in the samples. ICP-MS has significant application value in fields such as geochemical research, environmental monitoring, biological sample analysis, and drug development.
Comparison of advantages and disadvantages
ICP-OES advantages: ICP-OES with the features of easy operation, high automatic degree, low detection limit, wide linear dynamic range, a variety of elements at the same time analysis, etc; Furthermore, the matrix effect of ICP-OES is relatively small and it is suitable for the analysis of complex samples. Disadvantages: ICP-OES and engage optical system is easily affected by environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, etc.; Furthermore, when there is spectral interference in the sample, the analysis results of ICP-OES may be affected.
ICP-MS advantages: ICP-MS with high sensitivity, low detection limit, wide linear dynamic range, a variety of elements at the same time analysis, etc; Furthermore, ICP-MS can determine isotopes and has significant application value in fields such as geochemical research and biological sample analysis. Weakness: the operation of the icp-ms is relatively complex, need professional and technical personnel for precise adjustment; In addition, the mass spectrometer part of ICP-MS has relatively high requirements for environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity), and the laboratory environment needs to be strictly controlled.
Factor of plant location
When choosing the ICP-OES and ICP-MS, need to consider the following factors: 1. The analysis purpose: for determination of isotope, choose ICP-MS; If only the element content needs to be determined, both ICP-OES and ICP-MS can be used. 2. Sample types: for complex samples, icp-aes and engage the matrix effect of smaller, more suitable for analysis; ICP-MS has advantages in the analysis of biological samples. 3. The detection limit requirements: ICP-MS low detection limit, is suitable for analysis of trace elements; The detection limit of ICP-OES is relatively high. 4. The experimental conditions: consider factors such as environment, equipment cost and maintenance of laboratory; The operation of ICP-OES is relatively simple and the equipment cost is low. The operation of ICP-MS is complex and the equipment cost is relatively high.