A1 Journal article (refereed)
Solid phase extraction materials as a key for improving the accuracy of silver nanoparticle characterization with single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in natural waters through dissolved silver removal (2022)

Kinnunen, V., Perämäki, S., & Matilainen, R. (2022). Solid phase extraction materials as a key for improving the accuracy of silver nanoparticle characterization with single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in natural waters through dissolved silver removal. Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy, 193, Article 106431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2022.106431

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kinnunen, Virva; Perämäki, Siiri; Matilainen, Rose

Journal or series: Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy

ISSN: 0584-8547

eISSN: 1873-3565

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 26/04/2022

Volume: 193

Article number: 106431

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2022.106431

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/80865

Abstract

The accurate characterization of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in environmental samples is crucial for understanding the potential impact of these materials on the environment and human health. Single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) is one of the few techniques available for quantifying NPs at environmentally relevant concentrations. However, the spICP-MS detection of Ag NPs can be interfered with coexisting dissolved analyte causing high background signals, which mask NP signals leading to a significant bias in NP characterization. In this paper, a simple sample pre-treatment procedure for efficient removal of dissolved silver in natural waters is proposed using solid phase extraction (SPE) materials, allowing more accurate characterization of NPs in environmental water matrices. The applicability of eight commercially available SPE materials was evaluated based on their effects on sample Ag NP properties and dissolved silver extraction efficiency in environmental waters, which were shown to depend on sample matrix. The SPE materials found most efficient in dissolved silver extraction were further studied for improving the characterization of 30 nm Ag NPs in colorless and dark-colored waters. Whereas dissolved silver concentrations of ≤1 μg kg−1 were shown to lead to a significant bias in NP characterization (up to +58% increase in NP size and − 90% decrease in particle concentration), pre-treatment of the samples with SPE materials ‘SiliaMetS Thiol’ and ‘Purolite C115HMR’ minimized the effect of dissolved silver interference. As a result, highly more accurate NP sizing (28 ± 2 nm) and relatively stable particle concentration was obtained for 30 nm Ag NPs in environmental waters.

Keywords: nanoparticles; silver; separation methods; extraction (chemistry); spectrometry; mass spectrometry; environmental chemistry

Free keywords: SpICP-MS; Silver nanoparticles; SPE materials; Dissolved silver interference

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1