Convincing applications
Total metal concentration and speciation:
Apart from the determination of the total
concentration, which is normally obtained
with spectroscopic methods, voltammetry
allows to distinguish the different oxidation
stages of metal ions or differentiate between
free and bound metal ions as well as to
specify the biological availability of heavy
metals. This makes voltammetry into an essential
tool for environmental analysis. Comparable
insights can only be gained by spectroscopy
after complicated separation of the metal
species. Its compact size means that the
VA instrument can also be used in mobile
laboratories. Samples with high ionic concentration
are no problem for voltammetry.
Organics and anions: Not
only metals but also various organic compounds
can be determined by voltammetry. VA techniques
are used in organic chemistry and in the
pharmaceutical industry. Some special anions
can also be determined by voltammetry. The
determination of environmentally relevant
anions like cyanide, sulfide, nitrite or
nitrate is particularly interesting
Voltammetric trace analysis
- has extremely low detection limits
- has no problems with high salt concentrations
- allows speciation
- differentiates between free and complexed
metal ions
- can also analyze non-metals such as
anions or organics.
Typical Detection Limits
(1 ppt = 1 part per trillion = 1 ng/kg)
| Antimony |
Sb(III), Sb(V) |
200 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 74 |
| Arsenic |
As(III), As(V) |
100 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 226 |
| Bismuth |
Bi |
500 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 74 |
| Cadmium |
Cd |
50 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 231 |
| Chromium |
Cr(III), Cr(VI) |
25 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 116 |
| Cobalt |
Co |
50 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 231 |
| Copper |
Cu |
50 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 231 |
| Iron |
Fe(II), Fe(III) |
50 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 123 |
| Lead |
Pb |
50 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 231 |
| Mercury |
Hg |
100 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 96 |
| Molybdenum |
Mo |
50 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 146 |
| Nickel |
Ni |
50 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 231 |
| Platinum |
Pt |
0.1 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 220 |
| Rhodium |
Rh |
0.1 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 220 |
| Thallium |
Tl |
50 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 231 |
| Tungsten |
W |
200 ppt |
e.g. Application Note V-65 |
| Uranium |
U |
25 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 266 |
| Zinc |
Zn |
50 ppt |
e.g. Application Bulletin 231 |
The applications can be downloaded from
the Info
Center (registration required). Download
of bulletins: English,
French,
German. |
