Design, Synthesis and Application of SiO2-RATP Nanoparticles for Preconcentration and Separation of Trace Copper Ions: A Green Analytical Method

A new analytical method using Resacetophenone (RATP) modified SiO2 nanoparticles as solidphase extractant has been developed for the preconcentration of trace amounts of Cu(II) 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 analyte were investigated. The adsorption capacity of nanometer SiO2-RATP was found to be 61.50 μmol·g-1 at optimum pH and the detection limit (3σ) was 0.36 μg·L-1. The extractant showed rapid kinetic sorption. The adsorption equilibrium of Cu(II) on nanometer SiO2-RATP was achieved in 15 mins. Adsorbed Cu(II) was easily eluted with 5 mL of 4 M hydrochloric acid. The maximum preconcentration factor was 60. The method was applied for the determination of trace amounts of Cu(II) in various water and food samples.