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General description of ECD
Operating principle:
Eluting analytes scavenge electrons emitted by a radioactive source in the detector; the resulting drop in electric current generates a signal.
sensitivity:
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increasing electro-negativity of analyte (i.e., electron scavenging efficiency of the analyte)
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well suited to detect analytes that contain nitro-, carbonyl-, and halogen groups |
detectable by ECD:
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NOT suitable for detection by ECD: |
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advantages:
- highly sensitive to halogenated compounds and other molecules containing electronegative moieties
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disadvantages:
- compared to FID, much narrower linear response range (i.e., two orders of magnitude in concentration)
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