Separation of Transition Metal Ions in an Inhomogeneous Magnetic Field

The magnetic separation was investigated for Fe 3+, Co 2+, Ni 2+, Cu 2+, Zn 2+, Ag +, and Cd 2+ ions in an inhomogeneous field of 410 kOe 2 cm -1 . By application of the field to the solutions spotted on silica gel, the Fe 3+, Co 2+, Ni 2+, and Cu 2+ ions were attracted toward the field center, but the Zn 2+, Ag +, and Cd 2+ ions stayed at the spot origin. The movements depended upon the susceptibilities of the metal ions. The findings demonstrate that the use of a magnetic field has potential to separate ions in chemical and biological areas.