High-resolution continuum source electrothermal absorption spectrometry of AlBr and CaBr for the determination of bromine

Molecular absorption spectra of AlBr and CaBr, produced in a graphite furnace, were investigated using a high-resolution echelle spectrometer equipped with a xenon short-arc lamp as continuum source. The analytical usability of the spectra for the determination of bromine was studied. To this end, the molecular absorptions of AlBr at 278.914 nm and CaBr at 625.315 nm were evaluated. Apart from strong absorption bands of CaF around 625.3 nm, which disturb the use of CaBr, no spectral interferences were observed for both AlBr and CaBr. Regarding chemical interference with matrix substances, the molecular absorption of AlBr and CaBr is influenced in a different way. While the sensitivity of the CaBr absorption is susceptible to chloride, aluminum, potassium and sodium ions, there is no significant effect on the AlBr absorption. In contrast, the inorganic acids (nitric, phosphoric, and sulfuric) have an influence on AlBr, but not on the CaBr molecular absorption. Therefore, the two methods complement each other and each has its own application area. Regarding real samples, a salt sample from the death sea and an organic pharmaceutical were evaluated. The results were in good agreement with those derived from two independent methods and with an existing reference value. Relative standard deviations were found in the range of 5%. The limit of detection for bromine was about 2 ng for both AlBr and CaBr molecular absorption; the dynamic range was linear at least up to 250 ng Br.