| Abstract: | Abstract A new method has been developed for the determination of silver ion based on separation and preconcentration with a microcolumn packed with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The optimum experimental parameters for separation and preconcentration of silver, `such as sample pH, sample flow rate and volume, elution conditions, and interfering ions, have been investigated. Silver ion can be quantitatively retained by MWNTs in the pH range 7～9, and then eluted completely with 1.0 M HNO3. The detection limit of this method for Ag was 0.60 ng mL?1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.8% at the 10 ng mL?1 Ag level. The method has been successfully applied for the determination of trace silver in geological and water samples. |
