Electrochemical Detection and Its Application in Ion Chromatography

Ion Chromatography is an indispensable analytical technique for determination of a wide range of ionic and ionizable analytes in various sample matrices. While suppressed conductivity detection is the most widely used detection technique in ion chromatography, electrochemical detection has become an important detection technique for many ion chromatographic methods. 

Electrochemical detection techniques are used for analytes that undergo oxidation and reduction at an electrode surface under an applied potential. Electrochemical detection techniques offer the several desirable advantages including simple and direct detection without derivatization, high sensitivity and selectivity, relatively inexpensive and simple in construction, and amenable to miniaturization. 

In this presentation, we will review the basic principles of electrochemical detection and discuss the use of electrochemical detection in ion chromatography for determination of target analytes such as inorganic anions, carbohydrates, and amino acids in various sample matrices.

Presenter: Yan Liu (Director, Chemistry (R&D), Thermo Fisher Scientific)

(2023) Yan Liu is the Director, Chemistry R&D in the Ion Chromatography and Sample Preparation Business Unit of Thermo Fisher Scientific. Yan has been working on the research and development efforts in the area of ion chromatography systems, electrochemical detectors, and ion chromatography consumable products including electrolytic eluent generators, ion exchange columns, and suppressors. Yan has developed a number of novel electrolytic devices for the generation and recycling of acid, base, and salt solutions for use as eluents in ion chromatography systems. Yan has been instrumental in the development of capillary ion chromatography systems with electrolytic eluent generation and suppression. Yan has received 40 U.S. patents in the field of chromatography. Yan has authored and co-authored more than 45 peer-reviewed scientific papers. Yan received the Ion Chromatography Award in recognition of his sustained and significant contribution to the technical advancement of ion chromatography applications from International Ion Chromatography Symposium Scientific Organizing Committee on in 2011. Yan was a primary contributor for three RFIC systems that won the R&D Magazine’s R&D 100 Awards in 2009, 2011, and 2013. Yan received a Ph.D. degree in Analytical Chemistry from Oregon State University.