Interference correction in analysis of stainless steel and multi-element determination by glow discharge quadrupole mass spectrometry

Multi-element determination in stainless steel has been carried out by glow discharge mass quadrupole spectrometry (GD-QMS). According to the influences on relative intensity of analytical elements and their stability, glow discharge parameters such as current, voltage and pre-burn time were investigated. Mass interferences of analytical elements were researched, as well as appropriate isotopes were selected for analysis. Correction formulas were established for interfered isotopes of Ti and Mo. Fifteen elements in solid samples of stainless steel were directly determined, and the method has satisfactory accuracy and precision.