Separation of selected transition metals by capillary chelation ion chromatography using acetyl-iminodiacetic acid modified capillary polymer monoliths

Capillary housed laurylmethacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate (LMA-co-EDMA) polymer monoliths were fabricated, functionalised with varying amounts of vinyl azlactone, followed by immobilisation of iminodiacetic acid (IDA), forming a range of acetyl-iminodiacetic acid (AIDA) functionalised monoliths, applied to the chelation ion chromatographic separation of selected transition and heavy metals. A number of monoliths of varying length and ligand density were prepared, resulting in increased cation retention and chromatographic resolution on those displaying the highest capacity. Ligand density and related column capacity were confirmed visually using scanning capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (sC4D) techniques. Column temperature studies to determine retention mechanism and the effect of temperature on the retention of Mn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) was investigated, showing an increase in retention with increased temperature for Cd(II) and Cu(II), whilst a decrease in retention was obtained for Mn(II). Isocratic capillary chelation ion chromatographic separations of Mn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) were obtained, with dual peak detection demonstrated using combined on-column C4D detection and UV–Visible detection following the post-capillary column reaction of the eluted metals with 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol (PAR).

► New approach/understanding of the production of AIDA monoliths using photo-grafting.
► The monoliths produced are novel having not been developed in this way previously.
► Characterises AIDA monoliths for metal retention, providing new data and insight.
► On-column C4D detection for transition metal cations, not previously shown.
► Demonstrates chelation ion chromatography on AIDA polymer monoliths for the first time.