books
A useful textbook Analytical Electrochemistry Joseph Wang Wiley, 2006, 250 pp, $95, www. wiley.com In the preface to the third edition, Wang states that his intention is to provide a full overview of the scope of electroanalytical chemistry and to provide the reader with an appreciation for the ability of electroanalysis to solve real-world analytical problems. This new edition succeeds in that goal. The book covers the fundamental topics of electrochemistry that are most relevant to analysis, including a basic discussion of electrode reaction kinetics, potentiometry, and controlled-potential methods. Rather than remain the focus of discussion, these topics serve to introduce a practical discussion of analytical methods. Here, Wang shuns rigorous mathematical treatment. No derivations of the mathematical equations are presented, and even literature references to more complete treatments of the problems are omitted. Theoretical descriptions of electrochemical systems usually are limited to the simplest case, such as reversible (rapid) electron transfer with no accompanying chemical side reactions. The lack of complete theoretical description of the electrochemical topics is regrettable, and the lack of references to original or more complete descriptions is unfortunate in a book pitched as suitable for a graduate-level course. However, what the author does include produces a useful textbook. In each chapter, the implications of the theoretical aspects lead to discussions of methods, techniques, or analyses. For example, consideration of electrode reactions and their interfacial properties leads to a discussion of spectroelectrochemical analyses, scanning probe microscopy techniques, and quartzcrystal microbalances. The introduc8846
tion of controlled-potential techniques leads to a discussion of the types of pulse voltammetry and is accompanied by very complete sections on Wang’s specialties—stripping and flow analysis. The chapter on potentiometric electrodes describes several useful sensing electrodes. A chapter on “practical considerations” has information about choosing appropriate solvents and electrolytes (essentially limited to aqueous systems) and a helpful listing of electrochemical suppliers. The discussion of the various types of working electrodes, including chemically modified and ultramicroelectrodes, will likely be the most useful. However, considering the rapid advances in instrumentation, remnants of earlier editions are sometimes jarring. For example, in suggesting equipment for setting up an electrochemical laboratory, “basic necessities include a cell . . . a voltammetric analyzer . . . and a plotter”; references to the use of computer-controlled instrumentation are more than 25 years old. Personally, I found the last chapter on electrochemical sensors the most interesting, and perhaps this sets this book apart from other electrochemical texts. Using concepts developed from previous chapters, Wang describes operation and construction details of many different sensors. A large part of this chapter is about affinity and enzymatic biosensors, but a brief discussion of gasand solid-state sensors is included. This chapter, reflecting its broad analytical interest, has the most up-to-date references. Many of the new references in this edition refer to fabrication and operation of micro-total analysis systems. Coverage of the literature has been updated with 20% of the references from 2000 and later. Of course, a new edition is expected to be revised, so the biggest surprise is how much better the book looks. Flipping through this edition is a much more pleasant experience. For the first time, the graphics are drawn in a uniform style. The effect, including a clearer and larger font, is of a lighter and more approachable volume. Unfortunately, many of the figures are directly redrawn from their earlier
A n a ly t i c a l C h e m i s t r y / D e c e m b e r 1 , 2 0 0 7
hand-drawn predecessors and retain the same inaccuracies. The poor quality of some of the cyclic voltammetry curves is especially striking, and it is disappointing that the author did not take this opportunity to improve the accuracy of the presented graphics. Students will find this book a gentle overview and adjunct to later, more in-depth study. This edition has added to the end of each chapter several, usually mathematical, worked-out example problems and a number of, usually more conceptual, exercise problems. The problems are generally quite challenging, and many seem to require more information than this particular book provides. The length and multitude of topics make the book quite readable compared with other, more focused texts. It will be most useful to those scientists and students wanting a one-stop introduction to the field of electroanalysis. I would certainly recommend it as a starting point for any nonelectrochemical scientist considering a venture into electrochemical analysis. —David O. Wipf Mississippi State University
Electrokinetic Chromatography: Theory, Instrumentation & Applications Ute Pyell, Ed. Wiley, 2006, 540 pp, $235, www.wiley.com According to the preface, this book is intended for those new to the field as well as the experienced and for those interested in method development and applications. The 43 contributors provide 21 chapters that cover theory and principles, characterization of the selectivity of pseudostationary phases, resolution optimization, microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography, instrumentation, various detection modes (laser-induced fluorescence, amperometric, photothermal, and mass spectrometric), electrokinetic chromatography on microfluidic devices, pharmaceutical analysis, bodily fluids, food and beverages, and environmental analysis. © 2007 American Chemical Societ y
