Characterization of a Microfabricated Electrochemical Detector and Coupling
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI Date: 1-Oct-2009 I, Evan T Ogburn , hereby submit this original work as part of the requirements for the degree of: Master of Science in Chemistry It is entitled: Characterization of a Microfabricated Electrochemical Detector and Coupling with High Performance Liquid Chromatography Student Signature: Evan T Ogburn This work and its defense approved by: Committee Chair: William Heineman, PhD William Heineman, PhD Carl Seliskar, PhD Carl Seliskar, PhD 11/12/2009 288 Characterization of a Microfabricated Electrochemical Detector and Coupling with High Performance Liquid Chromatography A thesis submitted to the Division of Research & Advanced Studies of the University of Cincinnati In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science In the Department of Chemistry of the College of Arts and Sciences 2009 By Evan Ogburn B.A., Earlham College, 2005 Committee Chair: William R. Heineman, Ph.D. Abstract A disposable micro-fabricated electrochemical cell has been developed, characterized with multiple electrochemical systems, and coupled with high performance liquid chromatography to form a high performance liquid chromatography electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) system. The detection system consisted of the micro-fabricated electrochemical detector, a flow-cell and a fixture mounted with electrical connections leading from the detector to the potentiostat. The detector is easy to fabricate, inexpensive, and maintains a high performance level which makes it a practical choice for electrochemical detection. The simplicity of the fabrication process for this detector allows it to be used as a disposable device that can be replaced easily if its performance degrades. Parameters for the optimization of the performance were studied in a three-electrode system with a special focus on HPLC-ED, using ascorbic acid, acetaminophen, and potassium ferricyanide as model compounds.
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