Separation Systems Coupled to ICP-MS for the Analysis of Metal-based Nanoparticles and Colloids

Abstract

A broad range of separation systems have been established in elemental speciation analysis online with sensitive elemental detection by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for low molecular mass species but also for macroproteins. The classical techniques size exclusion chromatography, reversed phase chromatography and capillary electrophoresis have been successfully applied for characterisation of metal-containing nanoparticles and colloids. In addition, special separation techniques for characterisation of particulate elemental species including nanopollutants have been established online with ICP-MS: hydrodynamic chromatography and field flow fractionation. The separation principles of these techniques along with advantages and limitations for metal-based (nano)particles are briefly summarised and discussed in this chapter. The performance, flexibility, challenges and drawbacks are highlighted based on examples of recent applications covering a broad range of particle compositions, particle sizes and sample matrices. Suitable calibration strategies, mass balance issues and recoveries are addressed in individual sections for quality control.