Solid-phase extraction of antimony using chemically modified SiO2-PAN nanoparticles.

A new analytical method using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN)-modified SiO2 nanoparticles as solid-phase extractant has been developed for the preconcentration of trace amounts of Sb(III) in different water samples. Conditions of the analysis such as preconcentration factor, effect of pH, sample volume, shaking time, elution conditions, and effects of interfering ions for the recovery of the analyte were investigated. The adsorption capacity of nanometer SiO2-PAN was found to be 186.25 micromol/g at optimum pH and the LOD (3sigma) was 0.60 microg/L. The extractant showed rapid kinetic sorption. The adsorption equilibrium of Sb(III) on nanometer SiO2-PAN was achieved in 10 min. Adsorbed Sb(III) was easily eluted with 4 mL 2 M hydrochloric acid. The maximum preconcentration factor was 62.20. The method was applied for the determination of trace amounts of Sb(III) in various water samples (tap, mineral water, and industrial effluents).