Coulometric generation, flow cell

An ECD measures the current generated by electroactive analytes in the HPLC eluent between electrodes in the flow cell. It offers sensitive detection (pg levels) of catecholamines, neurotransmitters, sugars, glycoproteins, and compounds containing phenolic, hydroxyl, amino, diazo, or nitro functional groups. The detector can be the amperometric, pulsed-amperometric, or coulometric type, with the electrodes made from vitreous or glassy carbon, silver, gold, or platinum, operated in the oxidative or reductive mode. Manufacturers include BSA, ESA, and Shimadzu. 

Figure 5.36 Flow cell for external coulometric generation of a titrant.

The cell shown schematically in Figure 29.20b permits external generation, followed by EPR detection. The solution can either be recirculated to the electrolysis cell or discarded after observation. Umemoto [36] used a similar apparatus to generate moderately stable radicals coulometrically, followed by stopped-flow measurements of the decay kinetics. Forno [37] used a more elaborate recirculating system with two electrochemical cells in series. The unstable product of the first electrolysis was pumped to the second electrolysis cell, where it was converted to a free radical and thence to the cavity for observation (Sec. VI.A). 

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