ELECTROCATALYTIC MODIFIED ELECTRODE FOR REMOTE MONITORING OF HYDRAZINES

A remote electrochemical sensor for field monitoring of hydrazine comp ounds is described. The new submersible probe relies on the coupling o f an effective electrocatalytic modified electrode to a 50 ft long shi elded cable. The catalytic surface, based on an electorpolymerized fil m of 3,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, offers low-potential detection of hydr azine compounds. Such catalytic activity results in high sensitivity a nd selectivity, and hence offers convenient measurements of micromolar hydrazine concentrations in untreated groundwater, river water or lak e water samples. Coexisting sample constituents do not contribute to t he response. Operational conditions have been optimized to meet the sp acific requirements of remote operation. The concept seems suited for the remote monitoring of other contaminants via the judicious choice o f the surface modifier.