Solid-phase luminescence of several rare earth ions on ion-exchange films

The development acid characterization of a novel ion-exchange film for soli d-phase fluorometry and phosphorimetry is reported. This new cation-exchang e material is suitable for spectroscopic applications in the ultraviolet an d visible regions. It is advantageous because it, as a single entity, is ea sily recovered from solution and mounted in the spectrofluorometers. After preconcentration on the film, the luminescence intensity of lanthanide ions is several orders of magnitude greater than that of the corresponding solu tion, depending on the volume of solution and the amount of film. This proc edure allows emission spectral measurements and determination of lanthanide ions at solution concentrations of <5 mu g/L. The film may he stored for s ubsequent reuse or as a permanent record of the analysis. The major drawbac k to the use of the film is slow uptake of analyte due to diffusion limitat ions.