ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) is a highly sensitive analytical technique for the determination of elements and trace elements in liquid samples. Thanks to its extremely low detection limits in the ppb and ppt range, it is one of the most powerful methods for modern elemental analysis.

During ICP-MS analysis, the sample is first brought into solution and then introduced into an inductively coupled plasma. The generated ions are subsequently separated and quantified by a mass spectrometer according to their mass-to-charge ratio, enabling the simultaneous determination of numerous elements with outstanding sensitivity and precision.

ICP-MS is widely used in environmental laboratories, the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries, as well as in mining, metallurgy and the battery industry. Typical applications include the analysis of trace elements, impurities, high-purity materials and critical raw materials.

Sample preparation is a critical part of the overall analytical process. Typical preparation steps include digestion, dilution, filtration and reagent dosing to ensure reliable and reproducible analytical results.

With LiquidLab, HERZOG offers a modular platform for fully automated sample preparation and liquid handling for ICP-MS applications. The system automates the complete workflow, from sample digestion through dosing, filtration and dilution to the transfer of the prepared sample to the ICP-MS instrument. This reduces manual intervention, improves reproducibility and enables a fully automated analytical workflow.