A simple dilute-and-shoot procedure for Si determination in diesel and biodiesel by microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry

► Silicon is determined in diesel and biodiesel samples by MIP OES. ► Accurate results are obtained by analyzing 90% v v− 1 ethanol-diluted samples. ► Limits of detection vary from 5 to 20 μg L− 1 in different media. ► The N2-MIP is stable and no carbon deposition is observed. ► The flow blurring nebulization contributes to precise and accurate results.