The purpose of the work is the development of electrochemical methods for the analysis of solids and traces of dissolved electroactive substances. The aim of the work is to improve electroanalytical methodology and electrochemical theory. The working hypothesis of the project is that the mechanisms of electrode reactions of micro-crystals of various organic compounds can be explained by comparing theoretical models with the results of voltammetric experiments. What is common to all reactions that start at the contact of electrode, liquid electrolyte and micro-particles of electroactive solids, is that the transfer of electrons is separated from the transfer of ions, but the energies of these transfers can not be measured separately. However, this separation is possible in the case of reactions that start at the contact of solid electrode and two immiscible solutions, so these reactions will be used as rough models for the reactions starting at the contact of electrode with the solid and liquid. The envisaged research will be performed by using voltammetric, amperometric, potentiometric and chronocoulometric methods.

Experimental work will be combined with the development of theoretical models of electrode reactions. Some basic electrochemical processes will be investigated in order to improve electroanalytical procedures. We shall work on new and nondestructive methods for the detection of electroactive components of solid samples and on the analysis of active compounds in pharmaceutical preparations. Electroactive solids in which the diffusion of electrons and ions is hindered by the limited mixing of the reduced and oxidized phases, so that the sharp phase boundary is formed, will be investigated experimentally. We shall tray to establish voltammetric criteria for the recognition of phase transformations caused by the electrode reaction. Gibbs free energy and kinetic parameters of the transfer of anions across the interface of two immiscible liquids will be measured. Electroanalytical investigations will be directed towards the development of methods for the quantitative determinations of ions and molecules in subnanomolar concentrations. The distribution of manganese in natural waters and seawater will be analysed and the traces of selenium(+4) will be measured using the catalytic wave of hydrogen in the presence of rhodium(+3). Amphetamine, cocaine and some other opiates will be analysed in pharmaceutical formulations and waste waters.

Project bibliography