Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Fluorescent Nanoparticles for the Measurement of Ion Concentration in Biological Systems
Published on: July 4, 2011
Pre-concentration of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions using meso-porous pyridine-enrobed magnetite nanostructures
H Vojoudi1, A Badiei1, A Amiri1
1School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
A simple, cheap and efficient method for pre-concentrating and separating Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions and real samples has been designed. The method was implemented in a prototype featuring interchangeable chromatography-column-like cartridges, filled with meso-porous silica nanostructures, allowing easy exchange of the type and quantity of the sorbent. The adsorbents inside the column are held in place by means of porous polymer nano-fibre membranes. The effects of various parameters on the adsorption of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions were investigated. Maximal adsorption (∼99%) was found for Zn(II) ions amongst a mixture of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Ag(I), Au(III), Pd(II) and Pb(II) in aqueous solution. The procedure was tested for pre-concentrating and determining traces of zinc in real samples of meat, fish and hen marketed in Tehran. A desorption process using 0.5 mol L-1 HCl as eluent, showed ∼97% recovery of the Zn(II) ions adsorbed on the MSMPP sorbent.
Related Concept Videos
Chemical Reactions in Aqueous Solutions
Aqueous Solutions and Heats of Hydration
When ionic compounds dissolve in water, the ions in the solid separate and disperse uniformly throughout the solution because water molecules surround and solvate the ions, reducing the strong electrostatic forces between them. This process...
Solution Concentration and Dilution
Expressing Solution Concentration
Concentrations may be quantitatively assessed using a wide variety of measurement units, each convenient for particular applications. Molarity (M) is a useful concentration unit for many applications in chemistry.
Leveling Effect and Non-Aqueous Acid-Base Solutions
The Leveling Effect of a Solvent
A generic acid (HA) reacts with the generic base (B-) to yield the corresponding conjugate base (A-) and conjugate acid (HB):
Formation of Complex Ions

