6 Measurement modes
6.1 DC mode
In Direct Current (DC) mode, a static potential is constantly applied to the EC flow cell to
establish an electrochemical oxidation or reduction reaction. The resulting current signal is
continuously measured and sent to the detector output.
Figure 6–1: Plot of cell potential versus time
Figure 6–2: Empower Instrument Method window: DC mode settings
DC mode can be used for detection using relatively inert working electrode (WE) materials such
as glassy carbon (GC) or boron-doped diamond. Suitable analytes in this case are typically
aromatic compounds with functional groups that can be easily oxidized at relatively low
potentials. One other requirement for successful operation in DC mode is that the target
compounds and reaction products should not easily absorb or contaminate the electrode surface,
which can lead to inactivation of WE electrode activity and loss of response.
December 16, 2021, 715007395 Ver. 00
Page 59
