Ion chromatography using anion exchangers modified with heparin

Retention behavior of inorganic anions and cations on anion exchangers modified with heparin has been investigated. Retention of anions on the anion exchanger was remarkably reduced after the modification with heparin. The cations of the eluent affected the retention behavior of ions. The retention factor of anions decreased with decreasing eluent concentration when sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate were used as the eluent, whereas it increased with decreasing eluent concentration when aluminium sulfate, copper sulfate and sulfuric acid were used as the eluent. When copper sulfate was used as the eluent, both anions and cations were retained on the modified stationary phase and simultaneous separation of both anions and cations were carried out. Cations as well as non-UV-absorbing anions were indirectly visualized by copper ions.