Ion chromatography (IC) is a technique in which ions are separated based on their interactions with a resin and an eluent (known as the stationary and mobile phase respectively). These phases change between a cation-attracting column and an anion-attracting column.
Samples are pumped into a chromatographic column that contains an ion exchange medium to separate the ionic speeds in the sample with respect to their inherent physiochemical properties. IC instruments can utilize a variety of detectors to ascertain the retention times of separated analytes. The most common detector type for IC applications is the conductivity detector. To ensure high sensitivity, the IC instrument must also compensate for background detector signal coming from the mobile phase. A properly configured IC instrument can produce excellent quality results in the ppb to ppm concentration range.
Ion chromatography using IC standards is a key tool for pharmaceutical applications as it is extremely sensitive as well as having a dynamic operating range. IC standards are certified reference materials that have been designed to suit IC or Ion Exclusion Chromatography (IEC) applications. Inorganic Ventures’ portfolio includes a number of IC standards outlined in this article.
Ion chromatography is often used to gauge the concentration of common anions in a range of solvent types such as fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, lactate, chloride, and glutarate, amongst others.
What is an Anion/Cation IC Standard?
Anion (negatively charged ions) and Cation (positively charged ions) standards are types of refined control materials. These IC standards are used for quality control and assurance applications for ion chromatography. Anion and Cation IC Standards can be made to order and are fully NIST-traceable, manufactured for stability and ease of use.
Reagent-grade certified reference materials are critical for anion or cation determination when used with samples of undetermined composition. They allow for an extremely powerful concentration analysis even at the sub-parts per million (ppm) range and trace levels.
IC standards can be used for calibrating ion chromatography systems for important applications such as in testing drinking water for cyanides and characterizing potential toxicity.
IC Standard Solutions from Inorganic Ventures
At Inorganic Ventures, we have a wealth of experience in wet chemistry and advanced fractionation. We supply a range of IC standards including anion and cation varieties. If you would like to find out more, contact our team of experts today.