Condensation nucleation light scattering detection (CNLSD) for ion chromatography

Ion chromatography (IC) combined with condensation nucleation light scatter ing detection (CNLSD) is shown here to be a highly sensitive method for cat ionic species determination, with limits-of-detection (LODs) at ng/mL level s. Furthermore, unlike the common conductivity detection method, higher tha n normally used acid concentration eluents can be used, resulting in faster elution of the analytes. The use of a suppressor is also eliminated since CNLSD is mainly dependent on the involatility of the analyte relative to th e mobile phase, making the detection method universal for most cationic spe cies. Investigative studies were also done on anion separations. In this case, a suppressor was required to improve the background level. Although detection limits for anionic species were not as low as for the cationic species, th e results showed CNLSD to be a viable detector for anions, as well.