Ionization Interference

 Only occurs in Group I elements    (Li⁺,  Na⁺, K⁺, Ce⁺) with low ionization potential

Ideal situation  -  all of your element goes to the ground state, where it absorbs
                      maximally and consistently between standards and samples

       Problem situation  -  Ionization of ground state element in flame prevents it 
                                from going to the excited state:  doesn't absorb light of 
                                appropriate wavelength.  Different between standards
                                and samples.

      Solution  -  Add an excess of an ionization suppressant to standards and sampless
                      Must be another group I element which also ionizes
                      e.g. CeCl @ 1,000 ppm
                      Creates lake of free electrons
                      e^-s drive Na⁺ or K⁺ back to ground state where they absorb at right l
                               analyte absorbs consistently at maximum extent

           Procedure:
            Make up a 10,000 mg/L Ce⁺ solution from CeCl

                Standards
                Add 10 mls to a 100 ml vol. flask (or 10%)
           Add volume of stock, dilute to volume

                Samples
            Add 5 mls to a 50 ml vol. flask (or 10%)
           Add 25 mls of sample, dilute to volume
           Sample is a 2:1 dilution