ELECTROCHEMICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY - PACKINGS, HARDWARE AND MECHANISMS OF INTERACTION

The purpose of this review is to consider the development of the liquid chromatographic technique wherein the imposition of small electrical potentials are used to induce changes in retention, in order to effect a separation. The term electrochemical chromatography is proposed for this technique in keeping with the existing nomenclature. The available mechanisms of electrochemical control over the chromatographic behaviour are discussed with their dependency upon the type of packing material. Preparation of the stationary phases and column designs are also discussed. Recent progress using conducting polymers, such as polypyrrole, as modifiers for suitable supports is given, with the conclusion that these materials may provide the foundations for the development of electrochemical chromatography into a routine and useful analytical method.