Improvement in signal sensitivity and repeatability using copper nanoparticle-enhanced laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

• Published in: Spectrochimica acta. Part B: Atomic spectroscopy 2022-09, Vol.195, p.106507, Article 106507
• Main Authors: Khan, M. Rashad, Haq, S.U., Abbas, Qamar, Nadeem, Ali
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Compositional analysis; Improvement in repeatability; Nano enhanced LIBS; Optimized parameters; Plasma parameters; Signal enhancement
• ISSN: 0584-8547; 1873-3565
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sab.2022.106507

In the present work, the sensitivity and repeatability of the emission spectra have been investigated using nano-enhanced laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (NELIBS). The colloidal solution of copper nanoparticles was produced by using the laser ablation technique at the fundamental wavelength of Nd: YAG laser at 100 mJ and deposited on the surface of standard aluminum alloy in different concentrations. With varying laser irradiances (10 GW/cm2 to 35 GW/cm2) and nanoparticles surface concentration (6.4 μL/cm2 to 57.7 μL/cm2), emission spectra were acquired from laser-induced plasma. On average the signal enhancement up to 50 times was achieved at a laser irradiance of 28.3 GW/cm2 and at NPs concentration of 45 μL/cm2. A decrease in relative standard deviations (RSD) from 28% to 16% for manganese and 18% to 10% for aluminum emission lines was achieved at laser irradiance of 10.5 GW/cm2 and surface concentration of 19.2 μL/cm2. [Display omitted] •The deposition of Cu-NPs on Al substrate improved the LIBS limit of detection (LOD) and its repeatability.•Comparison of nano-enhanced LIBS with conventional LIBS•Optimized experimental parameters for signal enhancement and repeatability•Effect of laser irradiance, the concentration of NPs and detector gate delay on enhancement and signal repeatability•plasma parameters and analytical measurements using NELIBS