Elemental & Composition

ICP-OES

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy

ICP-OES measures dozens of elements at once from the light they emit in an argon plasma. It is a fast, robust method for major, minor and trace elements, from µg/L levels upwards in solution.

1 test optionAround 70 elements, measured at onceµg/L to high mg/L rangeTypical turnaround 4–6 working days
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ICP-OES measurement principleIllustrative
Argon plasmaRF coilSample aerosolSpectrometerGratingCCD detectorEmission spectrum
Every element glows its own colourIllustrative
01 / Overview

What is ICP-OES?

In ICP-OES the sample solution is sprayed into an argon plasma at around 6000–10000 K. Atoms and ions in the plasma are excited and emit light at wavelengths characteristic of each element; a grating spectrometer separates the wavelengths and a detector measures their intensities.

Because each element is measured from its own emission lines at the same time, ICP-OES handles many elements quickly and tolerates more dissolved solids than ICP-MS. For ultra-trace levels or isotope ratios, ICP-MS is the more sensitive choice.

02 / How it works

How it works

  1. 01

    Sample is nebulised

    The solution is turned into a fine aerosol and carried into the plasma by argon.

  2. 02

    Plasma excites atoms

    Atoms in the argon plasma, at around 7000 K, are excited and emit light.

  3. 03

    Light is split

    The spectrometer spreads the light into wavelengths, giving lines for each element.

  4. 04

    Intensity gives concentration

    Each line's intensity is compared with standards to give the element's concentration.

03 / What it measures

What it measures

Major & minor elements

Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al and others at mg/L levels.

Useful forSoils, fertilisers, ores, cement

Trace metals

Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb and others at µg/L levels.

Useful forWater, effluents, food digests

Catalyst & alloy composition

Metal loadings and ratios after digestion.

Useful forCatalysts, alloys, battery materials

P, S, B and Si

Non-metals and metalloids that flame AAS measures poorly.

Useful forFertilisers, glass, detergents, biomass

Stoichiometry

Check the metal ratios of a synthesised material.

Useful forOxides, perovskites, cathode materials
04 / Test options

Choose the ICP-OES options you need

1 option · none added yet

ICP-OES test options
05 / Sample requirements

Sample requirements

Accepted forms
Aqueous solutions; solids, soils, ores and powders for digestion
Quantity
20–50 mL of solution, or 0.5–2 g of solid
Elements
List elements and expected ranges (µg/L, mg/L or %)
Matrix
Tell us about acids, salts or organics present
  • Clean, labelled plastic bottles or tubes
  • Send clear solutions; filter or let particles settle
  • Mention any digestion already done and the acids used
  • No organic solvents without discussing first
  • No hydrofluoric acid in submitted solutions

Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.

06 / Results & turnaround

Results & turnaround

What you receive

  • Concentration of each requested element
  • Results in mg/L or µg/L, or mg/kg for solids
  • Wavelengths used and calibration details
  • Detection limits and QC checks
  • Report PDF

Turnaround & pricing

Typically 4–6 working days after samples reach the lab.

Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.

Sample report · IllustrativeExample Fe concentration1.26 mg/LIllustrative — not measured sample data
07 / Limitations

When ICP-OES isn't the right fit

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