Spectroelectrochemical Sensors for Hazardous Waste Site Characterization
Abstract
Certain groups of organic compounds may be detected and characterized using
both electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. However, when combined,
these techniques provide a multi-dimensional means by which such compounds
can be identified and quantified. The procedure being developed begins with
electrochemically preparing an electrode for analysis by surface enhanced Raman
spectroscopy (SERS). The compounds of interest are then electrochemically
reduced or oxidized, creating unique intermediates and products which are
observed using SERS. In addition the electrode may be cycled and held at
specific potentials to detect and characterize individual compounds. Once
developed, the procedures will be used to analyze both qualitatively and
quantitatively groundwater from Department of Energy and Department of
Defense hazardous waste sites.