An expression is derived from first principles that indicates a 104 improvement in the detection limit for trace metal analyses by use of crystalline energy transfer instead of normal luminescence methods. These calculations were experimentally verified by examining a crystal comprised of tris-(2,2′-bipyridine) zinc (ii) dichloride [Zn(bipyr)3Cl2] as the host and tris-(2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium (ii) dichloride [Ru(bipyr)3Cl2] as the emitting guest. With this system subnanogram levels of ruthenium could be measured. To verify the possibility of crystalline energy transfer quenching analysis a three component crystal was examined that had a fixed concentration of the ruthenium chelate and a varying amount of tris-(2,2′-bipyridine) iron (ii) dichloride [Fe(bipyr)3Cl2] as the quenching agent. With this system nanogram levels of iron could be measured.
A new preconcentration technique for ultra-trace metal determination in fresh water.