title: A novel approach for enhancing metal ion separation using acoustic nebulisation.
abstract: A novel technique for anionic surfactant assisted separation and preconcentration of metal cations was developed using ultrasound induced nebulization at MHz frequency. The ions of copper, zinc, cadmium, and calcium were used as model analytes. Analysis of the aerosol using flame atomic absorption spectrometry showed enrichment factors for the metal ions studied between 5 and 8, when dilute solutions containing sodium dodecylsulfate and the metal ions were nebulized. The mechanism of metal ion enrichment was explained based on surfactant adsorption and the droplet model for aerosol droplets. It was demonstrated that further increase in the enrichment factor could be achieved by increasing the ultrasound frequency, thus producing smaller droplets.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: Beenamma
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jimmy
authors.forename: Spas D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Kolev
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kentish
authors.forename: Muthupandian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ashokkumar
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000528:radiation effects; D000838:Anions; D003198:Computer Simulation; D019220:High-Energy Shock Waves; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013010:Sonication / Q000379:methods*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D000838:Anions; D008670:Metals; D013501:Surface-Active Agents