Universal chemiluminescence detection using the luminol reaction and the displacement ion effect

Abstract

A universal detection scheme for ions in solution, based on the stoichiometric displacement of copper(II) ions from a strongly acidic ion-exchange column, is described. The eluted copper(II) ions are detected by their catalytic effect on the chemiluminescent luminol reaction. In conjunction with flow injection, this method of detection is simple, rapid and reproducible, and µg l^–1 detection limits can be achieved for mono-, di- and trivalent cations, counter anions and weak acids.