title: A glow discharge-conductivity detector for carbohydrates in aqueous chromatography.
abstract: A new glow discharge-conductivity detector is shown to respond to low nanomolar and femtomole quantities of carbohydrates in aqueous high-performance liquid chromatography. Its sensitivity is comparable to those of the most sensitive detection methods available for carbohydrate analysis. The atmospheric pressure argon glow discharge is sustained between two metallic electrodes and is operated at the output of a liquid chromatography system. The glow discharge induces oxidation in the eluting carbohydrates, forming acid(s) in amounts proportional to carbohydrate concentration. The relative acid concentration is monitored with a conductivity detector placed downstream from the discharge region. A detailed description of the detector and the parameters that control sensitivity is presented. The formation of hydrogen peroxide, hydronium ion, and UV-absorbing species in aqueous flowing glucose solutions is also studied using the glow discharge-conductivity detector. A comparison between these products and the products formed under similar conditions using high-energy radiation is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, 153 Gilbert Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-4003.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Herring
authors.forename: E H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Piepmeier