Dual column HPLC method for determination of lanthanides in zirconium matrix

A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is developed for the determination of lanthanides present in zirconium matrix. α-Hydroxyisobutyric acid (α-HIBA) is used as an eluent for the removal of bulk of zirconium and pre-concentration of lanthanides. Later the pre-concentrated lanthanides are individually separated by dynamic ion exchange method. The method offers linearity in the concentration range of lanthanides from 2 to 100 ppb. The developed methodology is validated by analyzing simulated zirconium sample containing known amounts of lanthanides. The method is then used for quantitative recovery and determination of lanthanides in ZrO2 matrix with Zr/Ln amount ratios up to 250,000.