Patent ID: 6468804
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method of detecting analyte ions by continuous electrochemically suppressed ion chromatography comprising:(a) chromatographically separating analyte ions in an aqueous mobile phase comprising electrolyte to form an aqueous chromatography effluent comprising separated analyte ions and electrolyte; (b) flowing the aqueous chromatography effluent through a suppressor comprising an inlet and at least a first and second outlet, a first stationary phase positioned between the inlet and the first outlet, the first stationary phase in electrical communication with a first regeneration electrode, and a second stationary phase positioned between the inlet and the second outlet, the second stationary phase in electrical communication with a second regeneration electrode, wherein a portion of the chromatography effluent flows through the first stationary phase as a first chromatography effluent flow stream and a portion of the chromatography effluent flows through the second stationary phase as a second chromatography effluent flow stream; (c) electrochemically driving electrolyte into the first chromatography effluent flow stream and away from the second chromatography effluent flow stream during step (b) by applying an electrical potential across the first and second stationary phase(s), the application of the electrical potential being such that electrolysis ions of opposite charge as the analyte ions are generated at the second regeneration electrode and are flowed from the second regeneration electrode across the second stationary phase towards the first regeneration electrode and thereby driving electrolyte flow into the first chromatography effluent flow stream, which exits the suppressor at the first outlet; (d) combining the analyte ions present in the second chromatography effluent flow stream with the electrolysis ions; and (e) detecting the analyte ions after step (d).