The Measurement of an Environmentally Important Surfactant System Using Electrochemiluminescence

Direct incorporation of fatty-amine ethoxylate surfactants (trade names Ethomeen T/15 and Ethomeen T/25) into an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) reaction sequence is reported. A linear relationship between ECL intensity and concentration of surfactants exist using Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) as the light emitting molecule. Detection limits of 0.7ppm (mg/L) and 0.9ppm have been observed for Ethomeen T/15 in aqueous buffer and seawater, respectively. Detection limits of 1.1 ppm have been achieved for Ethomeen T/25. ECL intensity vs. electrochemical potential profiles show that emission occurs at potentials corresponding to oxidation of both Ethomeen and Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. The ECL emission is also pH dependent, with maximum intensities observed at pH 6-8. These results parallel those observed when tri-n-propylamine is substituted for EthomeenT/15 or T/25 and indicate a possible mechanism for ECL generation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Chemistry

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Year

1999

Author dc:creator

• Alexander, Craig Joseph

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mark Richter

• Chemistry

Statement dc:rights

• © Craig Joseph Alexander

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/444

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1445