Rapid analysis for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons by linear-sweep differential pulse voltammetry

Rapid-scan linear-sweep differential pulse voltammetry at scan rates of up to 200 mV s-1 is evaluated for the rapid analysis of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures in acetonitrile at a platinum working electrode. Three- and four-component mixtures with appropriate peak potential separation between the components can be readily separated and quantified at the 1–5-ppm concentration level. A major advantage of the method is the short time requirement. A four-component mixture which requires a 1.2-V range to cover all peaks can be scanned in only 6 s instead of the 5–10 min required by conventional differential pulse voltammetry.