Ion chromatography (or ion exchange chromatography) is a type of liquid chromatography used to study the concentration of anions and cations in aqueous samples.
It is based on chromatographic separation of ions and polar molecules on columns filled with ion exchange resin (ion exchanger). The basis of the separation is the chemical affinity of various ions to the ion exchanger. Conductometric detection.
Application:
In the laboratory, we use “IC’s” primarily to analyze anions such as fluorides, chlorides, nitrates, nitrites and sulfates, as well as cations such as lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium at ppm levels. Ideally, you should have at least two devices – one for anion analysis and one for cation analysis to avoid cumbersome equipment retooling and save time.
