Stripping analysis enhanced by ultrasound, electrode heating and magnetic fields

Stripping analysis is a two-step procedure. In the first step, the analyte is accumulated at an electrode surface either by electrolysis or by adsorption. In the second step, the deposited material is removed, typically by electrolysis. The second step is the source of the analytical signal. Sensitivity of the method mainly depends on the amount of substance which is transferred to the electrode surface during accumulation. The methods reviewed make use of unconventional techniques to enhance efficiency of accumulation. By ultrasound, a combined action of thermal and mechanical impacts, partially with extreme energetic states, causes improvement of analytical results. Heating of electrodes or of a near-electrode area induces laminar electrolyte flow acting as stirring, combined with increased surface temperature that is helpful to lower kinetic hindrances. Magnetic fields in a cell with arbitrarily increased deposition current enhances convection without additional thermal effects. Most of the techniques reviewed are able to improve the efficiency of stripping analysis much more than could be done by driving classical stirring up to the limits.