Electron capture detector

Description

A type of detector used in gas chromatographs. The electron capture detector (or ECD) contains a radioactive Nickel (63Ni) plate that emits a cloud of beta particles (electrons). Electronegative compounds, such as halogenated materials, are ionized by the electron cloud. Electrodes measure the ionization levels in the chamber. ECD detectors are extremely sensitive and can measure part per trillion levels of many chlorinated and fluorinated compounds. It is most often used in environmental analysis to detect pesticides and herbicides.

Synonyms and Related Terms

ECD; détecteur par capture d'électrons (Fr.); Elektroneneinfang Detektor (Deut.)

Resources and Citations

• SRI at http://www.srigc.com/catalog/ecddetector.htm

• Varian at http://www.varianinc.com/cgi-bin/nav?varinc/docs/products/chrom/gc/gcelectron&cid=635734