Monosegmented flow analysis exploiting aqueous two-phase systems for the determination of cobalt

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional methods for metal ion determination can be hazardous and complex.
• Developing environmentally safe and efficient analytical procedures is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an environmentally safe method for metal ion extraction, separation, and determination.
• To apply the novel technique for cobalt determination using aqueous two-phase system-monosegmented flow analysis (ATPS-MSFA).

Main Methods:

• Utilized a monosegmented flow analysis technique combined with an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS-MSFA).
• Employed the reaction of Co(II) with KSCN, forming a complex that partitions into a specific phase.
• Applied the method to analyze cobalt in a nickel-cadmium battery sample.

Main Results:

• Achieved a linear range of 5.00 to 500 μmol kg⁻¹ for cobalt determination (R = 0.9998).
• Demonstrated high precision with a coefficient of variation of 1.14%.
• Obtained a limit of detection of 2.17 μmol kg⁻¹ and a limit of quantification of 7.24 μmol kg⁻¹.
• Validated results against flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

Conclusions:

• The ATPS-MSFA method provides an effective, safe, and precise approach for cobalt determination.
• This technique shows potential for analyzing metal ions in complex matrices like battery samples.