Abstract: A determination method for Mn²⁺ in natural surface coatings by single-column ion chromatography with a conductivity detector is described. The retention behavior and resolution of a series of cations including Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were studied in different concentrations of eluent, flow rate and pH value, and the optimum analytical condition was established. The method was applied to the analysis of surface coatings with satisfactory results, which will contribute to the speciation analysis of manganese oxides in the natural surface coatings.

Key words: ion chromatography, surface coatings, manganese (Ⅱ), speciation analysis