Method development and optimization for the determination of rare earth metal ions by capillary zone electrophoresis

The separation of rare earth metal ions by capillary zone electrophoresis in the presence of creatinine as UV-absorbing background electrolyte and the complexing agent 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid was investigated. The separation is mainly influenced by the pH of the buffer and the concentration of the complexing agent. Both parameters were used in a central composite design to determine optimal conditions. After modelling of the migration behaviour, the optimal conditions were selected using a multi-criteria approach in which separation coefficient (α), sensitivity and analysis time were considered. Finally, the method was validated regarding its detection limit, linearity and reproducibility