Books
Beyond Traditional Detectors
Selective Detectors: Environmental, Industrial, and Biomedical Applications Robert E. Sievers, Ed. John Wiley & Sons 605 Third Ave. New York, NY 10158 1995, 261 pp., $59.95
Selective chromatographic detection, particularly when combined with the use of capillary columns in GC, considerably simplifies the interpretation of chromatograms associated with complex separations. The newest selective detectors are discussed in this book. Most texts and reference books on GC detectors seem to be directed toward flame ionization, thermal conductivity, electron capture, photoionization, and nitrogen/phosphorus detectors, to name a few. This book instead focuses on the more recently introduced and powerful detectors, which have been interfaced not only with GC but also with HPLC and SFC where appropriate. Treatment of chemiluminescencebased detectors is covered in four of the eight chapters in the book, with individual chapters devoted to sulfur-selective detection (Chapter 1), flameless sulfur chemiluminescence (Chapter 2), selective detection techniques based on nitric oxide/ozone chemiluminescence (Chapter 3), and peroxyoxalate detection (Chapter 8). Mechanisms underlying detector response and illustrations of the various 320 A
detector designs, modes, and configurations are clearly presented. A description of the oxygen-sensitive detector (O-FID) and analytical parameters for the gas chromatographic detection of oxygenated hydrocarbons is the subject of Chapter 4. Chapter 5 contains an overview of the detection of organometallics by the hydrogen atmosphere flame ionization detector (HAFID), with emphasis on experimental design characteristics of the detector. Element-selective gas chromatographic detection by atomic emission spectroscopy is detailed in the following chapter After a review of various plasma sources used for chromatographic detection various applications
". . . strongly recommended for those wishing to update their knowledge."
Studying the Electrochemical Interface
Physical Electrochemistry: Principles, Methods, and Applications Israel Rubinstein Marcel Dekker 270 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10016 1995, 608 pp.. $150
In the preface to this book, the editor emphasizes the trend toward interdisciplinary research, specifically the growing importance of electrochemistry to other fields. The editor's intent is to address this trend generated with microwave-induced plasma by reviewing the fundamentals of physical detection and its commercial counterpart, the GC-AED system, are shown. Chap- electrochemistry (defined as the basic physter 7 outlines advances made in pllama MS ical principles governing electrochemical interfaced with GC, HPLC, and SFC. At the systems) and modern methods of studying end of the book, James Lovelock, ,nventor the electrochemical interface (especially in situ methods). of the electron capture detector, recalls his educational and professional experiences This book is aimed at electrochemists that led to the development of the ECD. and researchers in other areas who wish to make use of electrochemical methods. Perhaps several chapters could be Although this book fulfills the stated goals strengthened with additional chromatoadequately for its intended audiences, it grams illustrating applications. Nevertheless, this book is strongly recommended will prove most useful as a resource for those already experienced in electrochemfor those wishing to update their knowistry. The nonspecialist will need to conledge and broaden their horizons beyond sult more basic texts for an adequate introthe traditional detectors used in GC. Reviewed by Eugene F. Barry, Univer-duction to several of the topics that are reviewed. sity of Massachusetts Lowell
Analytical Chemistry News & Features, May 1, 1996
