Determination of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine by barrier discharge radiofrequency helium plasma.

A determination method of fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br) and iodine (I) by a barrier discharge radiofrequency helium plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy was developed. A borosilicate glass was wrapped by two copper film electrodes, one of which was earthed, and the other was supplied with a radiofrequency high voltage (98 kHz, 3.2 kV), resulting in a discharge inside of the tube. An optical emission from the discharge tube was introduced to a charge-coupled device (CCD)-spectrometer through an optical fiber, and was monitored in the wavelength range of 730-960 nm. The emission lines of F (733.2 nm, 739.9 nm), Cl (833.3 nm, 837.6 nm, 858.6 nm, 894.8 nm, 912.1 nm, etc.), Br (827.2 nm, 882.5 nm, 889.8 nm, 926.5 nm, etc.) and I (905.8 nm) were observed. The linearity of the calibration was determined for F and Cl over the range of 1-10 microg, and for Br of 0.1-1 microg. The relative emission intensity was in the order of Br > I > Cl >F.