Characteristics and Calibration of Conductivity Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis

Abstract

The characteristics of end-column conductivity detection in capillary electrophoresis are investigated using solutes and background electrolytes that possess a range of mobilities. Indirect detection is most sensitive for low- to medium-mobility solutes. Detection limits are 1×10-6M for hexane sulfonate, and the response is linear for over two orders of magnitude. A generalized response expression is developed for conductivity detection based on the similarities in conductivity and electrophoretic mobility.