ION CHROMATOGRAPHY (IC) TESTING
Ion Chromatography (IC) is a highly accurate analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify ions and polar molecules in complex aqueous solutions. Utilizing both anion and cation exchange chromatography to interact with specific resins, this testing method precisely measures charged molecules - ranging from small nucleotides to massive proteins - to support critical water analysis, pharmaceutical development, and industrial quality assurance processes.
Ion Chromatography is a high-precision analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify charged molecules in complex mixtures. Our lab detects major anions and cations down to the parts-per-billion (ppb) range.
Applications & Industries
- Water & Environment: Measuring pollutants in drinking water and environmental runoff.
- Medical & Pharma: Protein purification, amino acid analysis, and DNA sequencing support.
- Food & Beverage: Identifying additives like sugar, salt, and organic acids.
- Industrial: Quality assurance for process solutions and chemical manufacturing.
How the IC Process Works
We use Anion-Exchange and Cation-Exchange to isolate molecules based on their electrical charge.
- Introduction: Aqueous (liquid) samples are introduced into the IC column.
- Separation: The sample passes through a specialized resin. Molecules with a higher affinity for the resin are retained longer, while those with little affinity pass through quickly.
- Detection: As each distinct group of ions exits the column (the eluate), a detector measures their concentration without them mixing back together.
Analytes Measured
Our IC lab specializes in detecting the following ions in aqueous solutions:
| Common Anions (Negatively Charged) | Organic Acids & Halogens |
|---|---|
| Fluoride | Acetate |
| Chloride | Formate |
| Bromide | Iodide |
| Nitrite / Nitrate | |
| Sulfate | |
| Phosphate |
Why Choose IMR for IC Testing?
- Precision at Scale: We handle everything from small nucleotides to massive proteins.
- Dynamic Range: We accurately distinguish between different types of ions and polar molecules even in highly complex mixtures.
- Clear Reporting: We provide precise insights into your samples, ensuring your results meet industry-specific quality standards.
The primary difference lies in the charge of the target analyte and the resin used in the column:
- Anion Exchange: Used to separate negatively charged ions (like Chloride, Sulfate, or Fluoride). The column contains a positively charged resin that attracts these anions.
- Cation Exchange: Used to isolate positively charged molecules (like Sodium, Potassium, or Magnesium). The column contains a negatively charged resin to catch those cations.
While both can measure ions like Chloride, Ion Chromatography offers several advantages over traditional Titration:
- Specificity: Titration often measures "total halides" or a single ion at a time. IC can separate and quantify Fluoride, Chloride, Bromide, and Iodide simultaneously in a single run.
- Sensitivity: IC is far more sensitive, reaching parts-per-billion (ppb) detection limits, whereas Titration is typically limited to parts-per-million (ppm).
- Sample Volume: IC requires significantly less sample material than most titrimetric methods.
Yes. Beyond simple inorganic salts, IC is highly effective at identifying and quantifying organic acids such as Acetate and Formate. This makes it a preferred method for identifying corrosive residues on electronic components.
- ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma): Measures the total amount of an element. For example, it tells you the total Phosphorus in a sample.
- IC (Ion Chromatography): Measures the ionic form of that element. It tells you specifically how much Phosphate is present.
- Solids: Samples can be leached in deionized water to extract surface ions.
- Varnish/Residues: Swab samples from surfaces (like PCBs) can be processed to identify ionic contamination.
In these fields, ionic contamination (especially halides like Chloride and Bromide) can lead to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) or electrochemical migration (dendrite growth) on circuit boards. IC testing allows manufacturers to verify that cleaning processes are effective and that parts meet strict cleanliness specifications.
Alloy Chemistry
Antimony Analysis (ICP)
Cadmium Analysis (ICP)
Carbon, Sulfur, Hydrogen, Oxygen & Nitrogen
Contaminant/ Corrodent Analysis
Filler/Additive Analysis
FTIR
Contamination ID
Halogen Analysis (IC)
Heavy Metals Analysis
Hex Chrome (UV-VIS)
ICP-AES Analysis
ICP-MS Analysis
Impurities Analysis
Ion Chromatography
Material Certification
Metal Purity
OES Analysis
On-site PMI
PMI Testing (Positive Material ID)
Particle Size Analysis
Percent Crystallinity
pH
Polymer Testing
Powder Diffraction
Powdered Metal Analysis
Precious Metal Assay
Quantitative Analysis
Resistivity (ASTM D1125)
SEM-EDS
Semi-Quantitative Analysis
Trace Element Analysis
Unknown Alloy Identification
Unknown Material Identification
XRD Analysis
XRF Analysis
RELEVANT ACCREDITATIONS
Click here for a complete list of accreditations and certifications for all IMR Test Labs locations.
