Ion Chromatography (IC)

Details

Ion chromatography is a separation technique by partitioning between a mobile phase (Eluent) and a stationary phase (Resin). Ions will move through the column at different speeds depending on their affinity for the specific resin, ion charge and size. Ions with a weaker affinity for the resin will move through the column faster and be eluted first, while ions with a stronger affinity for the column will move through the column more slowly. As the analytes pass through the column, they enter the detector, which translates the data into a chromatogram. Each substance has a specific retention time (RT) in the column. During analysis, the area under the peak for each substance is calculated and compared to a calibration curve to determine the concentration of the analytes in the sample accurately and precisely.

Ion Chromatography (IC) is applied to analyze anion in solution such as fluoride ion (F^-), chloride ion (Cl^-), nitrate ion (NO₃^-), sulfate ion(SO₄^2-), phosphate ion (PO₄^3-) and pyrophosphate ion (P₂O₇^4-).

Application

Anion in solution

Usage Limitations

• Sample particle size must less than 0.2 µm
• Strong acid or strong base sample cannot be tested
• Not suitable for high concentration (effect to analyze peak (shift))