CE-ICP-SMS for Metal Complexation Studies

Research project P 14544 CE-IPC-SMS for Metal Complexation Studies Gunda KÖLLENSPERGER 26.6.2000 The submitted project aims at the application of CE-ICP-SMS towards metal complexation studies. Since the introduction of CE-ICP-MS it has been demonstrated to be a promising tool for metal speciation offering excellent resolution and separation efficiency of CE combined with highly sensitive and selective elemental detection of ICP- MS. The utilization of a high resolution instrument (ELEMENT, Finnigan Mat, Bremen, Germany) eliminates common spectral interferences from polyatornic species and has been recognized as prerequisite for accurate determination of elements as e. g. Fe, Mn, Cu, Al. Metal complexation. in solution is claimed to play an important role in the Lyocell process for cellulosic fiber production. The Lyocell process employs N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) as solvent for cellulose, which undergoes unwanted hornolytic degradation reactions, not yet completely elucidated. As a matter of fact it has been observed that metal traces present in the cellulose can cause degradation reactions in the NMMO / cellulose / water mixture resulting in immediate discoloration of the solutions or in the worst case even thermal runaway reactions. In our group it is of particular interest to perform fundamental studies on complexation of metal-NMMO and metal-NMMO oxidation products (N-methylmorpholine and morpholine), respectively, considering different trace metals and consequently a wide range of complex, stabilities. The fundamental studies addressed by the research project delivers useful information required to appropriately inform decision making, risk assessment and management of the industrial Lyocell process. Basic knowledge of equilibrium conditions and the association behavior of these dynamic chemical systems is important in order to evaluate and control the process. In the first phase of the project, studies will be focussed on the hyphenation of CE to the ICP-SMS. For a successful union parameters that influence both the separation efficiencies and the sensitivity will be considered. Total dead volumes, composition of buffers and low compatibilitic regarding flow rates are among these parameters to be optimized. Three different nebulizer will I evaluated as interface options for coupling CE with the ELEMENT (Finnigan Mat, Bremen, Germany). Consecutively, the research will focus on methodology of metal- ligand complexation. studies by CE-ICP-SMS.