Study on Real-time Chemical Analysis of Aerosol Particles with ICP-MS: Counting Efficiency of Nanoparticle and Mass Detection Efficency of Terbium in Individual Particles

Study on real-time chemical analysis of aerosol particles with ICP-MS is conducting in our laboratory. Two key parameters are presented in this paper: counting efficiency of nanoparticle and mass detection efficiency of Tb in individual particles. Particles number counted by ICP-MS was compared with reading of Condensation Particle Counter Model 3010. Result shows that particle counting efficiency of ICP-MS is approximate unity. Monodisperse Tb(NO₃)₃•6H₂O particles with diameters of submicron to micron were generated and the diameter was obtained with Laser Particle Sizer and Nano-MOUDI respectively. Meanwhile the particle was introduced directly into ICP-MS to determine ions of ¹⁵⁹Tb. Result shows that response of ICP-MS for Tb in individual particle is rough linear with mass and detection limit could be down to 2.6 fg.