Carbon Black Ink Research Articles

MULTI - ANALYTIC STUDY OF ORIENTAL MANUSCRIPTS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA DATING FROM THE 15TH - 19TH CENTURY

The objective of this study was the analysis of materials used in five Oriental manuscripts from Bosnia and Herzegovina dating from the 15th - 19th century. The manuscripts were examined using various analytical techniques ranging from a series of preliminary tests (visual inspection, microchemical tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), acidity status, UV fluorescence) to Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The obtained results showed that the manuscripts were made using paper, ink and pigments derived mainly from natural sources. The paper was made from either flax fibers or the combination of flax and hemp fibres and was often sized with egg white and alum to improve its quality. Both carbon black and iron-gall inks were used for the main text, whereas vermillion was chosen only for red ink. This research provides a valuable insight into the production techniques used in Oriental manuscripts from Bosnia and Herzegovina during that period. It also represents a template approach for manuscript characterisation and science-based paper conservation.

Discovering manganese-based blacks in the grave goods of Kha and Merit (Egypt, 1450-1400 BCE): Multidisciplinary investigation on use and nature

As part of the “TT8 Project”, several research groups examined the grave goods from the Theban Tomb No. 8 of Kha and his wife Merit who lived during the second half of 18th dynasty and were discovered by the Italian Archaeological Mission led by Ernesto Schiaparelli. Thanks to the collaboration of Egyptologists, conservators, and scientists, numerous state-of-the-art, non-invasive methods were used to examine and characterize the objects found in the tomb.During this comprehensive investigation, for which a fully non-invasive approach was designed, the preliminary results for three polychrome wooden caskets showed the unexpected presence of manganese in the black areas in combination with the carbon black ink also present in the black decorations.In addition to MA-XRF analysis, which allowed for the discovery, an innovative imaging method was applied for faster discrimination of black pigments. This method is based on the optical spectral differences between manganese-based blacks and carbon black in the short-wave infrared – with a maximum difference in the range of 1400–1700 nm – and is comparable to a photograph in terms of acquisition time. By using an InGaAs camera with an interferential long-pass filter of 1400 nm, the images were acquired first on a series of mock-ups and then on the wooden caskets. Using false color imaging representation, the areas painted with manganese black showed a clear red false color, in contrast to the black false color of the areas painted with carbon black. The results are fundamental to understanding whether the use of manganese black could be more widespread than reported in the literature so far.

Electronic tongue made of gelatin self-supporting films on printed electrodes to detect lactose

An electronic tongue was developed for the detection of lactose content in commercial foods. This was accomplished by employing optimized detection units comprised of gelatin films and information visualization methods for data analysis. The films incorporating gelatin, tannic acid, and zein, served as the basis for the sensors, whose electrodes were screen printed using carbon black ink. Self-supporting films were produced using various combinations of these materials, some of which had limited solubility in water (from 33% to 36%). They were hydrophobic and yielded reproducible electrical impedance spectra to be used as sensing units. Lactose detection experiments were conducted using various standard concentrations and commercial food samples. Capacitance decreased with lactose concentration at low frequencies, with films lacking a hydrophobic coating showing higher capacitance signals (exceeding 200 nF). Low limits of detection were obtained for the most sensitive films, as low as 2.03 × 10−19 mol/L, comparable to existing biosensors to detect lactose. Combining data from four sensing units in an electronic tongue allowed for the differentiation of lactose concentrations ranging from 1 × 10−20 mol/L to 1 × 10−6 mol/L using the interactive document mapping (IDMAP) projection technique, leading to a silhouette coefficient of 0.716. The discriminatory power of the electronic tongue was validated by distinguishing between lactose-containing and lactose-free food products. These findings highlight the potential of electronic tongues made with sustainable materials for applications in food quality assessment and lactose intolerance management.

Liquid crystal elastomer-based all-printed actuator and sensing array systems

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are valuable in soft actuators, sensors and other emerging fields. However, it is still a huge challenge to build high-performance LCE-based functional devices in a simple and fast way to achieve the orderly and patterned integration of multiple functional layers and LCE. Herein, screen-printing technology is used to realize the multi-layer pattern deposition of silver fractal dendrites conductive ink (with excellent Joule heating effect and strain-sensing function) and carbon black conductive ink (with photothermal conversion ability) on the surface of LCE. A series of LCE-based electronic devices are prepared through customized printing patterns. The as-obtained actuator possesses excellent electric actuating performance (bending angle of 102° at 200 mA) and self-sensing function (maximum relative resistance changes of −55.0%), and also exhibits NIR light-driven self-sensing bending actuation behavior (bending angle of 81° at 1.43 W/cm2), which can be used to control the robotic arm. The as-printed NIR light sensing array system can accurately sense the intensity, spot size and position of NIR light, showing good application potential in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle flight safety. This work provides a new strategy for the efficient preparation of LCEs-based flexible electronics.

A study of the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus.

This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract (COE) in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV). A total of 150 broiler birds (day-old) were equally divided into five study groups i.e., negative control, positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3. On day 10, broilers of groups COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 were supplemented with 1, 2, and 3 mL of COE respectively per liter of drinking water for 15 days. On day 13, 0.1 mL/bird (10-5.25 ELD50) of vNDV was inoculated in broilers of positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 groups intramuscularly. During this study, growth performance, morbidity, and mortality rates of each study group were recorded. The antibody titer against NDV was determined on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The levels of immunoglobulins (IgY and IgM) were also determined on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) inoculation. On day 33, avian tuberculin was injected between the 1st and 2nd toes of the left side (intradermally) to measure lymphoproliferative responses. On day 35, the phagocytic activity in the blood was assessed through a carbon clearance assay by injecting carbon black ink into the right-wing vein. The visceral organs having gross lesions were also collected for histopathology. The COE significantly improved the growth performance, and lowered the morbidity and mortality rates of broilers. There was a significant rise in antibody titers against NDV and levels of IgY and IgM antibodies against SRBC in COE-supplemented broilers. The lymphoproliferative response and phagocytic activity were also enhanced. Among COEsupplemented groups, the broilers of the COE-3 group showed a significant increase in growth performance and boosted immune defense. Coconut oil extract has the potential to boost the growth performance and immune status of broilers. It can be used effectively as a feed additive and alternative to antibiotics to prevent the spread of infectious poultry pathogens.

An MXene-supported cobalt-MOF nanocomposite-printed electrochemical sensor with high sensitivity for blood creatinine detection in point-of-care settings.

2D MXenes have been used as electrochemical sensor materials, but their output current signal remains weak in point of care (PoC) settings. To address this issue, here we report a novel MXene-supported cobalt-MOF-based nanocomposite, which is used with a carbon black (CB) ink and 3-D printed as the CoMOF-MXene@CB layered electrode structure for the development of a sensor electrode and a PoC chip for electrochemical detection of blood creatinine with an enhanced current range, specificity, and sensitivity. The limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity of the fabricated sensor were found to be 0.005 μM and 1.1 μA μM-1 cm-2, which are 44 times lower and 32 times enhanced, respectively, as compared to the existing literature report (LOD 0.22 μM and sensitivity 0.034 μA μM-1) for creatinine sensing in PoC settings. The sensor exhibited an excellent linear sensor response ranging from 10 to 800 μM and good reproducibility, stability, and selectivity with significant accuracy. These characteristics helped the sensor to accurately determine the creatinine levels in real human serum samples.

Quantification of carbon black tattoo ink hydrophobicity pre- and post-sonication

Abstract Despite growing academic interest for dermal inking in contemporary society, the reason why skin tattoos remain visible for life has predominantly been studied from a biological perspective. In preliminary physics studies of ink it has been presumed that the hydrophobicity of its main constituent prevents further dilution of pigment dispersion and therefore may be a contributing factor to aforementioned lifelongevity. According to these early studies, ultrasound might change the hydrophobicity of microparticles. The purpose of this study was to confirm or refute the presence of hydrophobic components in carbon black tattoo ink and to relate sonication to such presence. Cuvettes with n-octanol, distilled water, and a droplet of unsonicated or sonicated carbon black ink were shaken, allowed to settle and subsequently photographed. The sonicated ink had been subjected to ultrasound during 5 min at a centre frequency of 1 MHz, a pulse-repetition frequency of 1 kHz, and a 10% duty cycle. The greyscale values in both parts of the cuvettes were averaged. The resulting ratio of light intensities was an indicator for the ink hydrophobicity. The intensity partition coefficient of carbon black ink was measured to be greater than 103 before sonication and less than 103 after sonication. Carbon black tattoo ink was found to be very hydrophobic. However, sonication was found to make the dispersion less hydrophobic. Influencing the hydrophobicity of tattoo ink might change the permanence of a skin tattoo.

Characterizations and Inkjet Printing of Carbon Black Electrodes for Dielectric Elastomer Actuators.

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have been proposed as a promising technology for developing soft robotics and stretchable electronics due to their large actuation. Among available fabrication techniques, inkjet printing is a digital, mask-free, material-saving, and fast technology, making it versatile and appealing for fabricating DEA electrodes. However, there is still a lack of suitable materials for inkjet-printed electrodes. In this study, multiple carbon black (CB) inks were developed and tested as DEA electrodes inkjet-printed on acrylic membranes (VHB). Triethylene glycol monomethyl ether (TGME) and chlorobenzene (CLB) were selected to disperse CB. The inks' stability, particle size, surface tension, viscosity, electrical resistance, and printability were characterized. The DEA with Ink-TGME/CLB (mixture solvent) electrodes obtained 80.63% area strain, a new benchmark for the DEA actuation with CB powder electrodes on VHB. The novelty of this work involves the disclosure of a new ink recipe (TGME/CLB/CB) for inkjet printing that can obtain stable drop formations with a small nozzle (17 × 17 μm), high resolution (∼25 μm, approaching the limit of drop-on-demand inkjet printing), and the largest area strain of DEAs under similar conditions, distinguishing this contribution from the previous works, which is important for the fabrication and miniaturization of DEA-based soft and stretchable electronics.

Analytical methods for evaluating the state of preservation of a historical manuscript dating back to the 15th century AD in Al-Azhar Library – Egypt

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the state of preservation of one of the most famous manuscripts dated back to the 15th century using some analytical techniques to identify the manuscript components, explain its deterioration mechanisms and produce some solutions for conservation processes in future studies. Design/methodology/approach The analytical techniques used were visual assessment, digital microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDX, pH measurement, attenuated total reflection – Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR) and cellulose crystallinity. Findings Stains, missed parts and scratching were the most common aspects of deterioration. Some insects were observed by digital microscope. The SEM showed that linen fibers and goat skin were used to manufacture paper sheets and leather binding. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis proved that niobium and tantalum were added during the manufacture of paper sheets. Carbon black ink was the main writing material. The other pigments used were cinnabar in red ink, gold color from brass and blue color from lapis lazuli. FTIR analysis proved that some chemical changes were noticed. Low crystallinity of the historical paper was obtained. There was a reduction in the pH value of the historical bookbinding. Originality/value The importance of the analytical techniques used to detect the main components, forms and mechanism of deterioration of the studied manuscript. The elements of niobium and tantalum were added to paper sheets, which protected them from deterioration. The insects such as house flies and Sitophilus granarius were found in the manuscripts.

Stretchable and Sensitive Strain Sensors Based on CB/MWCNTs–TPU for Human Motion Capture and Health Monitoring

Flexible strain sensors have attracted significant attention in the wearable electronic device field, owing to their exceptional ductility, sensitivity, and durability compared to rigid strain sensors. However, the limited strain detection range or sensitivity has hindered their widespread application. In this study, a flexible strain sensor is fabricated by screen-printing a conductive carbon black ink layer on a conductive flexible composite layer made of thermoplastic polyurethane and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Both kirigami-patterned and fingerprint-patterned structures are introduced to the architecture of sensors; while the former is designed for the improvement of strain sensing range, the latter serves for the enhancement of sensitivity and interfacial adhesion. It is demonstrated that the sensor achieves high sensitivity with a gauge factor of up to 5705.53 and has a wide strain sensing range from 0 to 150%. Besides, the sensor also shows good durability (6000 stretching–releasing cycles) and a fast response time of ∼220 ms. The excellent sensor performance of the flexible strain sensor suggests promising applications in human–computer interaction, medical health monitoring, and motion capture.

An Accessible Yarn-Based Sensor for In-Field Detection of Succinylcholine Poisoning

Succinylcholine (SUX) is a clinical anesthetic that induces temporary paralysis and is degraded by endogenous enzymes within the body. In high doses and without respiratory support, it results in rapid and untraceable death by asphyxiation. A potentiometric thread-based method was developed for the in-field and rapid detection of SUX for forensic use. We fabricated the first solid-contact SUX ion-selective electrodes from cotton yarn, a carbon black ink, and a polymeric ion-selective membrane. The electrodes could selectively measure SUX in a linear range of 1 mM to 4.3 μM in urine, with a Nernstian slope of 27.6 mV/decade. Our compact and portable yarn-based SUX sensors achieved 94.1% recovery at low concentrations, demonstrating feasibility in real-world applications. While other challenges remain, the development of a thread-based ion-selective electrode for SUX detection shows that it is possible to detect this poison in urine and paves the way for other low-cost, rapid forensic diagnostic devices.

Tattoo Pigments Are Localized Intracellularly in the Epidermis and Dermis of Fresh and Old Tattoos: In vivo Study Using Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

Background: The knowledge about the location and kinetics of tattoo pigments in human skin after application and during the recovery is restricted due to the limitation of in vivo methods for visualizing pigments. Here, the localization and distribution of tattoo ink pigments in freshly and old tattooed human skin during the regeneration of the epidermis and dermis were investigated in vivo. Methods: Two-photon excited fluorescence lifetime imaging (TPE-FLIM) was used to identify tattoo ink pigments in human skin in vivo down to the reticular dermis. One subject with a freshly applied tattoo and 10 subjects with tattoos applied over 3 years ago were investigated in the epidermal and dermal layers in vivo. One histological slide of tattooed skin was used to localize skin-resident tattoo pigment using light microscopy. Results: The carbon black particles deposited around the incision have still been visible 84 days after tattoo application, showing delayed recovery of the epidermis. The TPE-FLIM parameters of carbon black tattoo ink pigments were found to be different to all skin components except for melanin. Distinction from melanin in the skin was based on higher fluorescence intensity and agglomerate size. Using TPE-FLIM in vivo tattoo pigment was found in 75% of tattoos applied up to 9 years ago in the epidermis within keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and basal cells and in the dermis within the macrophages, mast cells, and fibroblasts. Loading of highly fluorescent carbon black particles enables in vivo imaging of dendritic cells in the epidermis and fibroblasts in the dermis, which cannot be visualized in native conditions. The collagen I structures showed a higher directionality similar to scar tissue resulting in a greater firmness and decreased elasticity of the tattooed skin. Conclusions: Here, we show the kinetics and location of carbon black tattoo ink pigment immediately after application for the first time in vivo in human skin. Carbon black particles are located exclusively intracellularly in the skin of fresh and old tattoos. They are found within macrophages, mast cells, and fibroblasts in the dermis and within keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and basal cells in the continuously renewed epidermis even in 9-year-old tattoos in skin showing no inflammation.

Calligraphy and Kirigami/Origami-Inspired All-Paper Touch-Temperature Sensor with Stimulus Discriminability.

The use of cost-effective renewable raw materials to develop electronic devices has been strongly demanded for sustainable and biodegradable green electronics. Here, by taking inspiration from the traditional calligraphy and kirigami/origami arts, we show a novel cuttable and foldable all-paper touch-temperature sensors fabricated by simply brushing the carbon black ink onto the cellulose paper followed by a layer-layer lamination strategy. The use of environmentally friendly common commodities in daily life including carbon black ink and cellulose paper as the main component materials of sensors effectively lowers the cost and has positive impacts on the environment and health. The sensors can be freely cut or folded into the targeted shapes and can even reversibly morph between 2D and 3D configurations without affecting device function. Additionally, the sensors show a discrimination capability toward pressure and temperature. Our fabrication strategy provides a promising approach for creating the low-cost eco-friendly sensors with a versatile pattern design and a morphing shape without sacrificing the global structural integrity and device functionality.

Electrochemical cleaning of superhydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride/polymethyl methacrylate/carbon black membrane after membrane distillation

In membrane distillation, separation can be greatly enhanced by the use of membranes with high porosity and hydrophobic surface. However, their separation performance drops significantly due to wetting in the presence of surfactant. In this work, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), carbon black and/or conductive ink was incorporated into PVDF membranes with microroughness templated from weave pattern to improve membrane morphology electrochemical properties. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed characteristic peaks of PVDF and additives. Carbon black and conductive ink caused the formation of secondary roughness, while PMMA induced high porosity and thickness. The PVDF-PMMA-CB membrane with a superhydrophobic surface also attained electrical conductivity with cyclic voltammetry recorded. A high permeate flux and stable salt rejection were achieved using this membrane in membrane distillation. It could also be electrochemically cleaned within 4 min after wetting by surfactant, showing a recovered water contact angle of 148.8 °. The membrane could be cleaned by hypochlorite (OCl−), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and/or ferric hydroxides generated during electrochemical cleaning. The cleaned PVDF-PMMA-CB membrane achieved NaCl rejection of more than 95%, but a slightly lower permeate flux than the permeate flux before wetting.

Preparation and characterization of PMMA encapsulated carbon black for water-based digital jet printing ink on different fibers of cotton and PET

An encapsulated carbon black (CB) pigment aqueous digital printing ink have been fabricated by an emulsion polymerization. The CB have been encapsulated by methyl methacrylate (MMA) through the emulsion polymerization with SR10 and ER30 which were nonylphenol-free reactive surfactants. We optimized the ratio of SR10 and ER30 in the emulsion polymerization. The encapsulated CB with a size of 170 nm were investigated via a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a dynamic light scattering (DLS) with the zeta potential, and a transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The encapsulated CB ink showed the excellent dispersion stability that were confirmed by a stability analyzer (Turbiscan). The ink was coated onto the surface of fibers through the digital printing process that showed an outstanding color density and fastness in rubbing and washing.

A fully inkjet-printed disposable gas sensor matrix with molecularly imprinted gas-selective materials

A method was used to fabricate a fully inkjet-printed gas sensor matrix on photographic paper. An electrode matrix comprising 36 interdigital electrodes in a high-density layout that is easy to integrate has been fabricated using a combination of insulating ink and commercial silver ink. Molecular-imprinted polymer (MIP) inks were then made using a simple solution mixing method, and these inks were printed together with carbon black ink on the electrode matrix to complete production of the sensor. Finally, experimental dynamic sensing of volatile organic compounds verifies that for detection of gases corresponding to the MIP template molecules, the MIP layer offers improvements in both sensitivity and selectivity when compared with non-imprinted polymer layers. The matrix can produce a response of more than 20% to 3 ppm propenoic acid gas through adjustment of the printing times for the carbon black layer and the MIP layer.

Tattoo inks are toxicological risks to human health: A systematic review of their ingredients, fate inside skin, toxicity due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, primary aromatic amines, metals, and overview of regulatory frameworks.

Today, tattooing has become very popular among people all over the world. Tattooists, with the help of tiny needles, place tattoo ink inside the skin surface and unintentionally introduce a large number of unknown ingredients. These ingredients include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and primary aromatic amines (PAAs), which are either unintentionally introduced along with the ink or produced inside the skin by different types of processes for example cleavage, metabolism and photodecomposition. These could pose toxicological risks to human health, if present beyond permissible limits. PAH such as Benzo(a)pyrene is present in carbon black ink. PAAs could be formed inside the skin as a result of reductive cleavage of organic azo dyes. They are reported to be highly carcinogenic by environmental protection agencies. Heavy metals, namely, cadmium, lead, mercury, antimony, beryllium, and arsenic are responsible for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, lungs, kidneys, liver, endocrine, and bone diseases. Mercury, cobalt sulphate, other soluble cobalt salts, and carbon black are in Group 2B, which means they may cause cancer in humans. Cadmium and compounds of cadmium, on the other hand, are in Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans). The present article addresses the various ingredients of tattoo inks, their metabolic fate inside human skin and unintentionally added impurities that could pose toxicological risk to human health. Public awareness and regulations that are warranted to be implemented globally for improving the safety of tattooing.

Bio-inspired soft actuator with contact feedback based on photothermal effect and triboelectric nanogenerator

The development of film soft actuators with contact feedback and outstanding environmental robustness is desirable. In this work, a film-based soft actuator laminated by polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET), carbon black ink, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is proposed. Due to the enormous difference in thermal expansion coefficients between these materials, the actuator achieves a large bending deformation angle and a high response speed. Without the shape-memory materials, the actuator can return to its original shape under light-induced after being subjected to mechanical stress. Meanwhile, the actuator maintains its shape after being exposed to extreme temperatures of up to 200 °C and immersion in a variety of solvents. Furthermore, based on the triboelectric effect, the actuator can generate remarkable real-time electrical signals when it mimics the tongue of frogs, bends deformation, and simulates mechanical grippers. This work demonstrates a simple method for building various intelligent and flexible electronic devices and provides promising applications for soft robots.

Enhancing output performance of surface-modified wood sponge-carbon black ink hygroelectric generator via moisture-triggered galvanic cell

A promising strategy to use alkali and alkaline earth metals chloride as an ideal high-efficiency atmospheric moisture catcher has been introduced in hygroelectric generator (HEG) engineering. However, the achievement of high output power density for commercial electronics by most HEGs is challenging. To address this issue, a novel approach is proposed to generate highly efficient HEGs. The approach relies on the use of carbon black (CB) ink to modify the surface of wood sponge with an LiCl solution, and copper electrodes to generate a highly efficient device with the power output of 216 μW. Specifically, the primary battery system composed of Cu electrodes and CB ink in water interface can compensate for decrease in streaming potential to further improve the output performance of the system, and successfully solve the problem of low output power of HEGs as an independent power source. Furthermore, the influences of different electrodes on electricity generation are comprehensively and systematically investigated for the first time. Moreover, the open-circuit voltage (VOC) of a HEG can be boosted to 33 V by simple integration in series, and it can drive commercial electronic devices in various weather conditions. It is anticipated that this new approach will facilitate the growth of green electronics in the future.

Nickel contamination analysis at cost-effective silver printed paper-based electrodes based on carbon black dimethylglyoxime ink as electrode modifier

Electrochemical detection of metal cations at paper-based sensors has been suggested as an attractive alternative to current spectroscopic and chromatographic detection techniques due to the ease of fabrication, disposable nature, and low cost. Herein, a novel carbon black (CB), dimethylglyoxime (DMG) ink is designed as an electrode modifier in conjunction with 3-electrode inkjet-printed paper substrates for use in the adsorptive stripping voltammetric electroanalysis of nickel cations in water samples. The developed method provides a novel, low-cost, rapid, and portable adsorptive stripping detection approach towards metal analysis in the absence of the commonly used toxic metallic films. The study demonstrated a novel approach to nickel detection at paper-based sensors and builds on previous work in the field of paper-based metal analysis by limiting the use of toxic metal films. The device sensitivity is improved by increasing the active surface area, electron transfer kinetics, and catalytic effects associated with non-conductive dimethylglyoxime films through CB nanoparticles for the first time and confirmed by electroanalysis. The first use of the CB-DMG ink allows for the selective preconcentration of analyte at the electrode surface without the use of toxic Mercury or Bismuth metallic films. Compared to similarly reported paper-based sensors, improved limits of detection (48 µg L-1), selectivity, and intermetallic interferences were achieved. The method was applied to the detection of nickel in water samples well below World Health Organization (WHO) standards.