An Introduction to Flow Field Flow Fractionation and Coupling to ICP-MS White Paper

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is the method of choice for analysis of most elements across the periodic chart. Its multi-element capability, low detection limit (ppt), and wide dynamic range (109 orders of magnitude) also make it ideal for the measurement of inorganic engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). While ICP-MS can be used directly to obtain concentrations of nanoparticulate-associated elements, more information on characteristics of ENPs can be obtained by first separating the particles by size prior to ICP-MS analysis. The most versatile size-separation technique is field flow fractionation (FFF). By introducing sizefractionated material into the ICP-MS, the size and elemental composition of complex, polydisperse and chemically heterogeneous ENPs can be determined. Furthermore, the similar flow conditions required by both ICP-MS and FFF make interfacing relatively simple.