labasia

Abstract 

Ion Chromatography today is the most important method for the analysis of inorganic and organic ions. For the majority of applications, conductivity detection with suppression devices represents the most versatile detection system. Other detection methods include UV/Vis, various forms of amperometry as well as element-specific (IC-ICP) and mass-selective detection (IC-MS). 

One of the major breakthroughs in the development of IC was the introduction of Reagent-Free IC in 2003, a combination of membrane-based technology and electrolysis to generate high-purity acid or base with only de-ionized water as the carrier. Because eluant concentration is controlled electrically, isocratic or gradient applications are enormously simplified. In addition, RFIC facilitates sub-ppb level anion and cation analysis by direct injection. 

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the development of IC methods to meet regulatory requirements for analytes other than common inorganic anions, including disinfection by-products such as bromate, chlorite, and haloacetic acids. Many of these new methods require the use of large injection volumes, high capacity columns, and advanced detection schemes. In this presentation, the principles of RFIC are described and the advantages in isocratic and gradient IC separations of environmentally relevant anions and cations are demonstrated.