Isotope Characteristics:
The ECD is very sensitive to certain solutes, like as alkyl halides, nitriles, conjugated carbonyls, nitrates and organometals, but is virtually insensitive to hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones and many more. Selective sensitivity to halides makes ECD especially valuable for the analysis of pesticides, Both H3 (tritium) and Ni63 have
been employed within the ECD. The linearity response for the analysis of lindane (a pesticide) using H3 and Ni63 is display in Figure.
Figure: H3 and Ni63 linearity response
Table : Isotope Characteristics
|
Characteristics
|
H3
|
Ni63
|
|
Half Life
|
12.5
|
125 years
|
|
Type of Decay
|
β
|
β
|
|
Particle Energy
|
18 kev
|
67 kev
|
|
Specific Activity
|
9,800 curie
|
5 curie/gram
|
|
Physical Properties
|
Gas
|
Solid
|
|
Fall Temp. Limitation
|
220° C
|
200° C
|
|
Radio Toxicity
|
Very low
|
Moderate
|
|
Cost Per Curie
|
$0.024
|
$17.5
|