Behavior of selenium hydride in heated quartz tube and dielectric barrier discharge atomizers

Atomization of SeH2 in an externally heated multiple microflame quartz tube atomizer (MMQTA) as well as planar dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) atomizer was investigated using a variety of probes. Deposits of Se on inner surfaces of the atomizers were quantified and their distribution visualized by autoradiography with 75Se radiotracer. The gas phase fraction of Se transported beyond the confines of the atomizers was also determined. In the MMQTA, a 15% mass fraction of Se was deposited in a narrow zone at both colder ends of the optical arm (100–400 °C). By contrast, a 25-40% mass fraction of Se was deposited homogeneously along the entire length of the optical arm of the DBD, depending on detection technique employed. The fraction of Se transported outside the MMQTA approached 90%, whereas it was 50–70% in the DBD. The presence of H2 was essential for atomization of selenium hydride in both atomizers. The gaseous effluent arising from the hydride generator as well as the atomizers was investigated by direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled to an Orbitrap-mass spectrometer, enabling identification of major gas phase species of Se. [Display omitted] •Mechanism of SeH2 atomization in DBD and MMQTA atomizers was extensively studied.•Hydrogen presence was found essential for SeH2 atomization in both atomizers.•Se is partly deposited in both atomizers: 15% in MMQTA and ca 30% in DBD.•Spatial distribution of the deposits was visualized by autoradiography with 75Se.•DART-Orbitrap-MS permitted identification of Se volatile species in both atomizers.