Single particle-ICP-MS (SP-ICP-MS) is a high sensitivity
analytical method with powerful ability to characterize size
distribution of metallic nanoparticle. SP-ICP-MS can save
cost because no extra instrument was required. Owing to short
analysis time, it is more suitable for the fast determination of
metallic nanoparticle in environmental sample. SP-ICPMS
collects data with time resolved analysis (TRA) mode and can
be used to analyze nanoparticle size distribution and number
concentration in aqueous solution. Degueldre et al[9‒11] firstly
proposed the theory basis of SP-ICPMS for the determination
of colloid particle size distribution in aqueous solution. When
the metallic nanoparticle was introduced into the plasma,
single nanoparticle generated single strong pulse on short time
(< 1 ms). The frequency and the intensity of the pulse signal
are related to the number concentration and the mass of the
nanoparticle, respectively. Pace et al[12] elucidated the
relationship between nanoparticle intensity and size
distribution using transport efficiency and ionic standard
solution.