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.