Determination of nanogram and sub-nanogram amounts of europium and cerium by means of candoluminescence emission in the presence of a co-activator

Abstract

The candoluminescence emissions of cerium and europium from a calcium oxide-calcium sulphate matrix are greatly enhanced if mineral acids are added with the activator solution to the matrix, before it is placed in a nitrogen-hydrogen-air flame. If sulphuric acid is used, 0.01–15 ng of cerium and europium in 1 µl of solution can be determined. Some metal ions interfere and an attempt is made to explain the interference mechanisms.