using ion chromatography
(IC). The method was developed and adapted from the IC method reported
in the CORESTA technical report.34 The
IC instrument consisted of a Thermo Scientific Dionex Ion Chromatography
ICS 5000 and AERS 500 electrolytically regenerated suppressor, AS
19 analytical column (4 mm × 250 mm), and AG 19 guard column
(4 mm × 50 mm; Sunnyvale, CA). The eluent consisted of potassium
hydroxide at gradient concentration ranges of 10–55 mM and
was generated with a potassium hydroxide eluent generator cartridge
(Thermo Scientific). ISO Guide 34-certified nitrite stock solution
(1000 ppm) was purchased from Thermo Scientific. The e-liquid sample
(0.2 g) was added to 10 mL of Type I water and mixed well. The samples
were then filtered and analyzed using IC with suppressed conductivity
detection. The calibration range was 0.01–1 μg/mL. The
LOQ for nitrite in e-liquid was 0.5 μg/g of e-liquid based on
the lowest calibration standard.