Copper electrode based amperometric detector cell for sugar and organic acid measurements

Electrochemical behavior of sugars and organic acids at catalytic copper el ectrode was investigated in strongly alkaline media. Linear relationship wa s found for different analytes between concentration and voltammetric curre nt wave or amperometric current. Electrode fouling was not observed neither in voltammetric nor in amperometric measurements. The number of electrons per molecule transferred during electrochemical oxidation was measured with controlled potential electrolysis and using the Koutecky-Levich function. The high number of electrons taking part in the electrode process and the s table operation of the electrode makes the catalytic copper electrode a wel l applicable sensor in FIA analysis and in chromatographic detection of dif ferent sugars and some organic acids. In the work a thin layer type detecto r cell was prepared and its function was studied. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.