Electrospray Mass Spectrometry as a Technique for Elemental Analysis: Quantitative Aspects

The quantitative aspects of elemental electrospray mass spectrometry are investigated with particular emphasis on the factors affecting the ability to establish linear calibration curves. It is shown that linear calibration curves can be obtained for trace elements if the analyte signal is ratioed to the signal from a constant amount of a similarly charged electrolyte species. Linear calibration curves can be established over a concentration dynamic range of at least four orders of magnitude. The added component seems to function as a stabilizer and monitor of the electrospray process and as an internal standard. In certain cases, species generated by acidification of the solvent may be used as electrospray stabilizers.