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Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Synthesis of Bimetallic Pt/Sn-based Nanoparticles in Ionic Liquids
Published on: August 23, 2018
Analysis of metallic nanoparticles and their ionic counterparts in complex matrix by reversed-phase liquid
Yuan Yang1, Li Luo2, Hai-Pu Li2
1College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; Center for Environment and Water Resources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, No. 932 Lushan Nan Road, Yuelu District, Changsha 410083, China.
Abstract:
Developing quantification and characterization methodology for metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) and their ionic component in complex matrix are crucial for the evaluation of their environmental behavior and health risks to humans. In this study, reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography combined ICP-MS was established for the characterization of MNPs in complex matrix. The ionic component could be separated from NPs with the optimized parameters of aqueous mobile phase. Good linear relationship between average diameter and retention time of NPs was obtained using HPLC-ICP-MS and the size smaller than 40 nm could be determined with this method, the detected results were in accordance with TEM results. The low detection limit of AuNPs and Au(Ⅲ) (both in sub-μg/L level) showed that this method was promising for the characterization of AuNPs and Au(Ⅲ) in environmental water. The mass concentration of ionic Au(Ⅲ) in environmental water could be detected using the proposed HPLC-ICP-MS and the concentration of AuNPs was obtained by subtracting the Au(Ⅲ) concentration from the total Au (The concentration of total Au was detected by ICP-MS after microwave digestion). Furthermore this proposed HPLC-ICP-MS method and single particle-ICPMS (SP-ICP-MS) was used for the analysis of the Ag speciation in commercial antibacterial products.
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