In Situ Sizing and Speciation of Trace Rare Earth Element-bearing Nanoparticles via Online Coupling of Hollow Fiber Flow Field-Flow Fractionation and Multiple Detectors

Key Points

• The study aims to characterize rare earth element-bearing nanoparticles at trace concentrations using specialized detection techniques.
• Utilized online coupling of hollow fiber flow field-flow fractionation with multiple detectors.
• Focused on trace concentrations of rare earth elements in nanoparticle form.
• Assessed the mobility and occurrence of nanoparticles in various conditions.
• Demonstrated effective sizing and speciation of nanoparticles at ng/mL-ppb levels.
• Showed properties of nanoparticles can affect their environmental mobility.
• Suggested advanced detection techniques significantly enhance analysis of heterogeneity.