Behavior of Alkali Metals in the Hydrogen Flame Ionization Detector for Ultra-Micro Analysis of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals

Behavior of alkali metals in the small hydrogen flame for ultra-micro analysis of alkali and alkaline earth metals were investigated. Distribution of free neutral atoms and formation of alkali hydroxides were studied by the photometric method, distribution of charged particles was determined by the Langmuir probe method, and confirmation of whether negative-charged particles are mostly electrons or negative ions by the sheath method. It was found that only lithium formed hydroxide in the flame, ionization chiefly occurred in the part 0–5 mm above the jet, and that most of negative-charged particles are not electrons but negative ions.