Pulsed amperometric detection of metal ions complexing with EDTA in a flow injection system

Abstract

A general and universal detection method, which can be used in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and flow injection analysis (FIA) system for the determination of any metal ions complexing with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), is demonstrated. Pulsed amperometric detection scheme is applied in a now-through thin layer electrochemical cell at an Au working electrode. Fluctuation of peak current level at the same flow rate of carrier solution is minimized at this solid working electrode, whereas not at a dropping mercury electrode. Removal of dissolved oxygen can be omitted with this detection method, which is a required step for cathodic detection methods. Also, a group of metal ions can be determined selectively and indirectly with this detection scheme.