Application of modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes for palladium preconcentration and determination in water and soil samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A new solid-phase extraction method for determination of palladium by atomic absorption spectrometry is described. Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) modified with 1-butyl 3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (MWCNT-[BMIM]PF6) and supported on sawdust was used as an adsorbent for preconcentration of palladium. Palladium ions are retained on (MWCNT-[BMIM]PF6) adsorbent as [PdI4]2− and eluted from the column with a thiosulfate–ammonia mixture. The optimum conditions for the adsorption were evaluated by changing various parameters such as pH, sample volume, concentration and volume of eluent, iodide concentration and interfering ions to achieve highest sensitivity and selectivity. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 2–120 ng mL−1 of palladium in the initial solution and the limit of detection based on 3Sb was 0.41 ng mL−1. The method was applied to the determination of palladium in water, wastewater and soil samples.