Dispersive solid phase extraction of lead(II) using a silica nanoparticle-based ionic liquid ferrofluid

We demonstrate the application of an ionic liquid-based ferrofluid to the dispersive solid phase extraction of lead(II) using PAN as the chelator. The ionic liquid contains silica nanoparticles with a magnetic core as the dispersion medium, and its use results in improved stability of the colloidal dispersion and a complete extraction of lead(II) within a few seconds. In addition, there is no need for centrifugation. Specifically, the effect of different variables on the extraction of lead(II) was studied using an experimental design. Lead(II) was quantified by AAS. Under optimized conditions, the calibration graph for lead(II) is linear in the range from 5 to 372 μg L⁻¹, the relative standard deviation is 1.34 % (for n = 7), the limit of detection is 1.66 μg L⁻¹, and the enrichment factor is 200. The maximum adsorption capacity of sorbent was calculated to be 10.7 mg g⁻¹, and adsorption follows a Langmuir isotherm.

A schematic view of D-SPE experimental set up. We demonstrate the application of an ionic liquid-based ferrofluid to the dispersive solid phase extraction of lead(II) using PAN as the chelator. The ionic liquid contains silica nanoparticles with a magnetic core as the dispersion medium