Factors affecting the performance of an electrochemical detector for the reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation of small peptides.

The factors affecting base line stability of an electrochemical detector (ECD) in the reversed-phase chromatographic separation of peptides are investigated. It is found that the major factor causing base line drift is temperature change. As long as the temperature remains constant, the experiment can be run at ambient temperature +/- 10 degrees C. Other factors affecting the performance of the detector include vibrations, drafts, the use of a chelating agent in the mobile phase, and stirring and recirculating the mobile phase.