Electrochemical hydride generation as a sample-introduction technique in atomic spectrometry: fundamentals, interferences, and applications

Electrochemical hydride generation (EC-HG) has been proposed as a valid alternative to chemical generation as a sample-introduction technique in atomic spectrometry. In this review fundamental aspects of the technique are revised, including designs of electrolytic cells, mechanisms of the generation process, and interferences caused by the presence of different species. Special attention is paid to the role of the configuration of the cathodes and their materials on the efficiency of hydride generation and on interferences from concomitant species. An overview of the application of EC-HG to the analysis of real samples is also given.