Iranian researchers from Kurdistan University used nanotechnology and proposed a method for the determination of metallic cations, which is reliable in various samples.

A very cost-effective nanosorbent has been used in this research, which can be produced very easily. Results of the research have applications in water purification industry for the elimination of various environmental pollutants.
Solutions of zinc compounds are commonly used as antiseptic agents. Although it is necessary to use small amounts of this element, excess use of it is harmful and it has toxic effects. The aim of this research is to use graphene sheets as sorbent to measure zinc cation in real samples.
Graphene nanosheets produced in the research have higher sorption capacity in comparison with non-nanosorbents such as active carbon. Therefore, they increase sensitivity and the yield of extraction method. High sorption capacity of graphene is due to its high surface area. This material has individual two-dimensional sheets of carbon and the both sides are available for the sorption of the desired species.
The simplicity of the production method and its implementation in solid phase extraction method fulfills the need for the preparation and use of common sorbents such as silica (SiO2).
Data obtained from this method showed that the method had appropriate concentration factor after the optimization of parameters effective on extraction. The detection limit and linear range of the method is in good agreement with those of other methods reported before.
Results of the research have been published in Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society, vol. 11, issue 4, November 2013, pp. 1039-1045.