Simultaneous Determination of Nickel and Cobalt as Chelates with 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol Using an LC Switching Column Method

A simple liquid chromatographic method was developed for the separation and simultaneous determination of cobalt and nickel as chelates with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN). The method, using a switching column technique for the on-line purification and separation, enables to reach the sub-microgram per litre concentration level excluding off-line sample treatment with the exception of the derivatization reaction. Two small-sized columns packed with CN- and C₄-bonded stationary phases were selected and used considering their complementary behaviour with respect to chelated Co and Ni ions. The analysis was performed within 10 min using an optimised eluent (water–acetonitrile–methanol–tetrahydrofuran, 40:45:10:5, v/v/v/v) containing Tween 40 (10^?3 M) and acetate buffer (5 × 10^?3 M, pH 4.8). Detection was performed by UV-vis spectrophotometry (λ = 565 nm) permitting to reach quantification limits of 0.9 and 0.5 μg L^?1 for Co and Ni, respectively.