Rapid separation of alkali metals by column ion-exchange chromatography

✍ Scribed by J.F.K. Huber; A.M. Van Urk-Schoen

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1972
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 762 KB
• Volume: 58
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0003-2670
• DOI: 10.1016/s0003-2670(72)80017-5

✦ Synopsis

Alkali metals have been determined in many ways, but for trace analysis two methods are normally applied: spectrometry and activation analysis. Both flame emission and atomic-absorption spectrometry are very suitable for the trace analysis of alkali metals. Detection limits in the p.p.b, range 1-3 can be obtained, and the elements in a sample can be determined simultaneously. A serious drawback in trace analysis is the error introduced by contamination from sodium and potassium in reagents, vessels, etc. during the handling of the sample. In order to avoid this source of error, devious methods of working are necessary.

Activation analysis is carried out with or without chemical separation depending on the resolution of the 7-spectrometer. With the modern high-resolution semiconductor detectors, multi-element analysis can be performed in many cases. Activation with thermal neutrons leads to the production of 24Na (t~ = 15 h), 42K (t~=