What is Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy?

This topic is part of the HSC Chemistry course under Module 8 Section 1: Analysis of Inorganic Substances.

HSC Chemistry Syllabus

Conduct investigations and/or process data to determine the concentration of coloured species and/or metal ions in aqueous solution, including but not limited to, the use of:

  • colourimetry

  • ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry

  • atomic absorption spectroscopy

What is Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)?

This video introduces atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). AAS is a quantitative technique used to measure the concentration of metal ions.

 

What is Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy?

  • Atomic absorption spectroscopy is a quantitative technique that determines the concentration of free metal ions by measuring its absorbance of electromagnetic radiation e.g. light.

 

  • Absorbance can be used to determined:
    • Type of metal ion present in a sample
    • Concentration of a particular metal ion based on the degree of absorbance. Concentration is directly proportional to absorbance (Beer’s Law)

 

$$A = \varepsilon cl = log_{10}(\frac{I_0}{I})$$

 

  • AAS is a very sensitive method that can detect and measure low concentrations of metal ions. Concentrations of metal ions can be as low as a few parts per million (ppm).

  • AAS is a very specific technique as it can measure the concentration of a particular metal species when it is present in a solution that also contains other metals. This is because a metal atom absorbs a characteristic wavelength of radiation that matches the energy difference between orbits.

Components in AAS

  • A compound containing the metallic analyte must be passed through an atomiser (nebuliser) to be converted into free gaseous metallic ions. There are numerous ways atomisation can be achieved:
    • Flame atomisers
    • Electrothermal atomisers

 

  • Metal ions absorb different wavelengths of radiation due to the differences in energy between their orbits. For example, an electron in a lead atom absorbs a characteristic wavelength of 217 nm.
  • Hollow-cathode lamp releases radiations characteristic of the metallic analyte. The emitted wavelength corresponds to the analyte’s absorption spectrum.

  • The monochromator isolates the wavelength of radiation emitted from the hollow-cathode lamp. It ensures only the desired wavelength is detected and analysed.

 

  • Similar to other spectroscopy techniques, a standard (calibration) curve is required. This is obtained by measuring the absorbance of several dilutions of metal ions sample (with known concentration).

  • AAS is commonly used to detect the presence and measure the concentration of metal ions in:
    • the environment e.g. waterways
    • food industry e.g. zinc supplements
    • geology e.g. mineral composition