| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1265381 | Ultrasonics Sonochemistry | 2012 | 5 Pages |
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.
► Micron sized aerosol droplets production by MHz frequency ultrasound. ► Surfactant adsorption and enrichment in the aerosol. ► Association of counter metal ions of higher charge to adsorbed surfactant ions. ► Metal ion enrichment in the aerosol.
