On-line electrochemical preconcentration of manganese for graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using a flow-through electrochemical cell

Abstract

A flow system incorporating a 2-electrode electrochemical microcell with a working electrode made from crushed reticulated vitreous carbon and a graphite furnace AAS instrument was used for the preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of Mn. The sample, rinsing and elution solutions were pneumatically transported through the system. Mn2+ ions can be quantitatively deposited both anodically and cathodically at a voltage of +1.5 to + 3 V and −2.5 to −4V, respectively applied to the cell. Samples of 0.1 to 1 ml volume were analyzed within 5–10 min. The limits of detection and determination were 8.7 and 29 pg, respectively. The reproducibility was 1.5 to 5%. The electrochemical behaviour of Mn in the flow system was studied by using a 3-electrode flow-through cell coupled on-line to a flame AAS instrument.