| abstract |
An on-column conductivity detector for microcolumn electrokinetic separation systems is disclosed. The detector is based on the column itself, the column having a largest internal cross-sectional dimension of 500 microns or less and includes one or more sensing electrodes positioned directly upon or immediately adjacent to (i.e. contiguous with) the wall of the column into communication with the analyte stream so as to present no dead volume and no increase in cross-sectional area to the fluid flow. In one embodiment, this conductivity detector has a single on-column electrode, located immediately adjacent to the exit end of the column. In a preferred embodiment, this conductivity detector has one or more pairs of on-column sensing electrodes and these paired electrodes are located directly across from each other on the microcolumn, to minimize potential across the electrodes and concomitant electrochemical reactions. |