Selective and Sensitive Fluorimetric Determination of Aluminium in Water Samples and Dialysis Solutions After Preconcentration using a Novel Ni/NixB Nano Adsorbent

A preconcentration technique by using Ni/NixB sorbent was developed for trace aluminium determination prior to the fluorimetric detection in dialysis solutions and water samples. The sorbent was synthesized by reducing sulphate salts of nickel with NaBH4 in an inert atmosphere. Characterization studies were executed with the aid of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. To achieve best results, optimization studies were conducted. Sorption efficiencies for Al(III) at initial pH values between 3-10 were found to be quantitative. Adsorption rate was quite high and in 5 min sorption efficiencies reached 99%. The recovery of Al(III) was established to be quantitative (>95%) for sample volumes up to 250 mL. The sorption capacity for Al(III) was found to be 394 mg/g in batch studies. The sorption capacity obtained from batch studies was compatible with that obtained by isotherm studies. The method was applied to the preconcentration of Al(III) in haemodialysis solutions and various real water samples with satisfactory recoveries.