A technique for the determination of trace anions by the combination of a potentiometric sensor and liquid chromatography, with particular reference to the determination of halides

Abstract

A technique for the determination of trace amounts of halides in the presence of other ions is described. The species are separated by means of liquid chromatography and detected potentiometrically by a silver-silver chloride micro-electrode. The technique readily lends itself to automation and an apparatus for rapid, repetitive analyses has been designed. By careful choice of the eluting agent and stationary phase it is possible to achieve a variety of separations, e.g., the determination of chloride in the presence of excess of sulphide, the separation and determination of nanogram amounts of chloride, bromide and iodide in mixed halide solutions and the determination of chloride in boiler waters. In addition, conditions for the extension of the technique to the separation and determination of other anions are proposed.