An electron capture detector (ECD) is a device for detecting atoms and molecules in a gas through the attachment of electrons

via electron capture ionization. A device for use in gas chromatography that can detect tiny amounts of chemical compounds in the atmosphere and elsewhere.

- The electron-capture detector actually was invented by Lovelock in four stages: around 1948, 19541955, 19561957, and finally in 1959.

1st stage - an anemometer 2nd stage - search for a high-sensitivity detector

3rd stage - the development of the argon-ionization detector, the crucial phenomenon was not an electron-capturing effect,

4th stage - aiming directly at the development of the electron-capture detector.

The ECD detector

most sensitive gas chromatographic detector for

halogen-containing compounds like chlorofluorocarbons CFC.

requires nitrogen or 95% argon / 5% methane to

operate
uses a radioactive Beta particle (electrons) emitter

to ionize some of the carrier gas and produce a current between a biased pair of electrodes.

 very high sensitivity to organic

compounds containing chlorine and fluorine atoms in their molecules.

has a limited dynamic range finds its greatest application in

analysis of halogenated compounds

 used

in detecting electron-absorbing components in the output stream of a gas chromatograph detects fluorine, bromine and chlorine

 ECD

helped to prove the ubiquitous presence of chlorinated pesticides in nature and halocarbons in our atmosphere, and made us aware of the global extent of pollution.

 When

organic molecules that contain electronegative functional groups, such as halogens, phosphorous, and nitro groups pass by the detector, they capture some of the electrons and reduce the current measured between the electrodes.

 Does

not alter the sample significantly (in contrast to flame detection) and easy

quick

relatively

cheap

 Linear

response range is usually limited to around 2 orders of magnitude Insensitive towards amines, alcohol and hydrocarbons

 The

detector functions in exactly the same as that of the traditional electron capture detector but differs in the method of electron production. The sensor consists of two sections: the upper section has a relatively small diameter and is where the discharge takes place.

 The

lower section has a much wider diameter and in this part of the sensor, the column eluent is sensed and electron capturing occurs. As with the pulsed discharge helium ionization detector, the potential across the electrodes is pulsed at about 3 kHz with a discharge pulse width of about 45 msec.

 The

discharge produces electrons and high energy photons and some metastable helium atoms. The helium, doped with propane, enters just below the second electrode, metastable atoms are removed and electrons are generated both by the decay of the metastable atoms and by the photons.

1. ECD device for use in ___________ that can detect tiny amounts of chemical compounds in the atmosphere and elsewhere.

ans. GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

2.

What are the elements that helps ECG to operate. Specify its percentage.

ans.

requires nitrogen or argon / 5% methane to operate

3.

4.

5.