Thermospray Mass Spectrometry Ionization Processes Fundamental Mechanisms for Speciation, Separation and Characterization of Organic complexants in DOE Wastes

摘要

The overall objective is to develop and enhance our understanding of chemical equilibria for major organic complexant species (chelators, chelator fragments, small organic acids and their products) in multi-component aqueous matrices such as the mixtures of DOE stored wastes. To progress toward this objective, organic complexants must be separated and speciated in mixtures of high ionic strength. HPLC employing zirconia-based stationary phases is being studied in order to understand the separation requirements for organic complexants and the products formed by complexants with metals in complex aqueous mixtures. Separated complexant species will then be characterized using positive and negative ion thermospray mass spectrometry (TSMS). The final goal is to develop the analytical capability needed to define chemical concentration and equilibria for complexant species in DOE waste streams.