method for the determination of the optimal conditions in an electrochemical detector and electrochemical detector using the method

摘要

A method of determining optimum operating potential in an electrochemical detector and an electrochemical detector (20) for performing the method, particularly for use in connection with a liquid chromatograph (21), are disclosed. A control and data processing unit (34) causes a plurality of different potentials to be successively applied in an electrochemical cell (11) and a subsequent electrochemical detection of the sample to be performed at each of the potentials. After each adjustment of a new potential, the current behaviour at the working electrode in the electrochemical cell (11) is monitored by an amperometer (31). When the current behaviour has stabilized, a trigger signal (26) is produced by the unit (34) which effects an injection of the sample into the separation column (25) of the chromatograph. From the current signals at the working electrode obtained for the different potentials, it can be determined which potential gives optimum detectability of the sample.