Equilibria effects in the dynamic ion-exchange separation of metal ions

Summary Equilibria occurring during the dynamic ion exchange separation of metal ions were examined, and their effect on the chromatography of the metal ions was evaluated. Bonded reversed-phase silica, pure organic reversed phase, and silica columns were used to differentiate between the role of silica and the reverse phase. The results show that system peaks had the most important influence on the applicability of dynamic exchangers to quantitative metal ion determinations. The response of system peaks to sample composition (pH, ionic strength, matrix effects) was complicated and could not be predicted easily. Equilibria effects that can cause analytical errors were identified and recommendations for elimination of such errors are given.Dedicated to Professor S. R. Lipsky on the occasion of his 60th birthday.