abstract |
A method of confining an electroactive substance (7) within an electrochemical cell in the form of a receptacle, said method comprising: (a) providing an electrochemical cell in the form of a receptacle, the receptacle having a first open part (3) to allow entry of a sample into the receptacle, and a second open part to allow escape of air displaced by the entering sample, the electrochemical cell having a working electrode (5) 1 and a counter electrode (6); (b) providing an electroactive substance (7), which substance is contained within the receptacle; (c) providing a permeable or semi-permeable membrane (4), comprising one or more layers, covering the first open part of the receptacle; and (d) inserting the sample into the receptacle through the membrane, such that (1) the electroactive substance and (2) the sample, are in contact with each other and with.-said working electrode; wherein the electroactive is confined within the receptacle during step (d). Preferably, the method additionally involves electrochemically testing a sample, by applying a voltage across the cell and measuring the resulting electrochemical response. |