Matrix removal using inline procedures in ion chromatography

In the analytical laboratory today, greater and greater efforts are being made to lower the limits of detection of analytes. This can be achieved by adaptation to device technology, e. g. the selection of suitable, more sensitive detectors. A further possibility of achieving lower limits of detection is to increase the amount of sample applied. For the analytical technique of ion chromatography, this means that higher volumes of samples have to be injected onto the columns or that the samples are injected in higher concentrations. Both measures, however, place a greater load on the analytic separation column via the matrix, an effect researchers usually want to avoid. Depending on the matrix, this problem can be solved using suitable sample preparation techniques. Since the elimination of the matrix is often very time-consuming and can be error-prone, it is advisable to automate this part of the procedure. This can be achieved using classic inline filtration techniques, which will not be described here. This paper presents a number of special sample preparation techniques using different applications from different areas of laboratory analysis as examples.