Extractants selection for hyphenated electrothermal atomic absorption method

Abstract

The theoretical approach for extractants selection during hyphenated atomic absorption determination of highly volatile metals (Pb, Cd), hydride- (Sb, Bi) and carbide-forming (Cr) metals using thermodynamic modelling was proposed. The calculated parameter - maximum pyrolysis temperature - can be used for selection of the extractants and chemical modifiers. Using this approach the antimony extract with Brilliant green was modified for which the 1.8-fold sensitivity and 2.6-fold repeatability decreasing while extract sampling in graphite furnace was observed. A chemical modifier - mixture of hydrazine nitrate with the palladium(II) complex with Xylenol orange - was theoretically selected and experimentally tested, which allowed to enhance the maximum pyrolysis temperature on 200 C, to eliminate extract matrix influence. Using this modifier two-fold increasing in sensitivity and 3-fold decreasing in relative standard deviation was achieved while extraction atomic absorption determination. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2013 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Wien.