Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry argon ions. Making the plasma from argon, instead of other gases, has several advantages. First, argon is abundant (in the atmosphere, as a result of the radioactive decay of potassium) and therefore cheaper than other noble gases. Argon also has a higher first ionization potential than all other elements except He, F, and Ne. Because of this high ionization energy, the reaction (Ar + e → Ar) is more energetically favorable than the reaction (M + e → M). This ensures that the sample remains ionized (as M) so that the mass spectrometer can detect it. Argon can be purchased
Fluorinated gases to be phased-out globally. PFCs and SF were already in use prior to the Montreal Protocol. F-gases are ozone-friendly, very energy efficient, and safe for users and the public due to their low levels of toxicity and flammability. However, most F-gases have a relatively high global warming potential (GWP). If released, HFCs stay in the atmosphere for decades and both PFCs and SF can stay in the atmosphere for millennia. Although the Montreal Protocol regulates the phasing out of HCFCs, there was no international agreement on the regulation of HFCs until late 2016 when the Kigali Agreement under the Montreal