Magnetized ion-imprinted polymer-coated nano-particles for selective separation and trace detection of ²⁰³Pb using gamma-ray spectrometry

Lead-203 is produced from the proton bombardment of natural thallium target. The application of novel Pb(II) ion-imprinted polymer coated on magnetic nano-particles was investigated for separation and detection of ultra-trace of Pb(II) ions. This novel sorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Effects of various factors were considered in this study. In order to examine the selectivity of the sorbent for absorbing Pb(II) ions, the effects of variety of competitor ions interfering on preconcentration and recovery of Pb(II) ions were also investigated. The recovery of the method was obtained 96.4% by 2.5 mL of appropriate eluent. Finally, the sorbent was applied for separation and determination of ²⁰³Pb(II) ions. (author)