Separation and determination of trace level terbium in gadolinium matrix by ion interaction chromatography

Abstract

ABSTRACT A gradient elution-based ion interaction chromatography (IIC) method was developed for the determination of trace terbium (Tb) in a gadolinium (Gd) matrix. A reverse-phase column dynamically coated with camphor sulfonic acid (CSA) and α-hydroxybutyric acid (α-HIBA) as the eluent was utilized. Through a comprehensive study, an optimized gradient profile was established, which improved the separation between Tb and Gd. The limit of detection (LOD) for Tb was 2 ng/mL, and the standard deviation was 2% (n = 3) for 0.1 µg/mL Tb in the presence of 1084 µg/mL Gd. With the developed method, trace Tb determination without prior matrix separation was possible.