Speciation analysis of Sb(III) and Sb(V) by hydride generation-smartphone colorimetric system using metal organic framework as substrate

A portable and easy-use analytical system was established for speciation analysis of inorganic antimony (Sb(III) and Sb(V)) based on hydride generation-smartphone colorimetric method. Metal organic framework (Ag-MOF) was served as substrate here. Sb(III) was transformed to stibine (SbH 3 ) during hydride generation process, SbH 3 was then transported and reacted with Ag-MOF in reaction bottle, leading to its color turn to black from light gray, the variance was then distinguished by visual and smartphone mode. A detectable limit as low as 0.01 μg/mL can be readout by smartphone mode. Besides, citric acid was used as masking reagent for speciation analysis of Sb(III) and Sb(V). Several real environmental water samples were further detected using this colorimetric system and recoveries for those samples were 90–106 %. The potential application of this method for rapid and field analysis of inorganic antimony was further demonstrated by analysis of a certified reference water sample (BWZ6657-2016B).