Effective Removal of Ar-Based Spectral Interferences Using Sulfur Hexafluoride in ICP-MS/MS: Applications to In Situ K–Ca Geochronology

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) using Ar as the plasma gas has been used successfully in many diverse fields; however, Ar-based spectral interferences (e.g., 38 Ar 1 H +, 40 Ar +, 40 Ar 16 O +, and 40 Ar 40 Ar + ) limit the precise and accurate measurement of the isotopes with which they interfere (e.g., 39 K, 40 K, 40 Ca, 56 Fe, and 80 Se). We demonstrate that using sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) as a reaction gas in ICP-MS/MS can effectively remove Ar-based spectral interferences (up to 9 orders of magnitude for 40 Ar + ) through charge exchange between SF 6 and 40 Ar +, 40 Ar 1 H +, 40 Ar 16 O +, and 40 Ar 40 Ar +, with the generation of a range of SF ions (e.g., 32 S 19 F 3 +, 32 S 19 F 5 + ). The SF 6 gas is inert, safe, and easier to handle than the commonly used H 2, and it does not produce any potential ArH + and CaH + spectral interferences in the reaction cell. Moreover, SF 6 can react with specific elements (e.g., Ca) to form higher mass fluorides (e.g., CaF), making it more powerful in ICP-MS/MS. We used SF 6 as a reaction gas for the in situ K–Ca dating of K-rich minerals (K-feldspar and muscovite) and obtained precise ages (1–10%). Three K-feldspar and three muscovite samples were analyzed, and the results are consistent with the recommended ages. SF 6 has great potential in the precise analysis of isotopes (e.g., 39 K, 40 Ca, 56 Fe, 80 Se) that Ar interferes with using MC-ICP-MS/MS.