The Characteristics and Operation Parameters of a Thermionic Emission Detector, Selective and Sensitive to Phosphorus

Abstract

The thermionic emission detector, a newcomer in the line of gas liquid Chromatograph detectors, is rapidly proving to be a valuable tool for the specific detection of organophosphorus compounds. The greatest impact is presently in the pesticide field. At best, the detector is still plagued with some operational difficulties and detection inadequacies, leaving considerable room for its improvement. In addition, a complete theoretical description of the flame reaction mechanism is also still lacking. It is hoped that most, if not all of these difficulties can be overcome in the future as new research ideas are successfully applied. This paper is written to help the analyst, unfamiliar with the operations of a thermionic detector to avoid possible difficulties in its operation, as well as to stimulate new ideas to improve existing systems. For these reasons a literature review will be included.