On-line coupling of PIXE with capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE)

During recent years most of the new knowledge about the biological function of trace elements has been obtained from studies involving the determination of the chemical bonding or oxidation states of these elements (speciation). The combination of a molecule separation process with a method for trace element analysis creates a powerful tool for this kind of observation. We studied the on-line coupling of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), with its high separation power, and proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE), with its high inherent sensitivity. A CZE-PIXE detection system is described and preliminary results will be presented.