Comparison of HPLC Detectors
Feature UV Detector Refractive Electron Diode Array
Index (RI) Capture Detector (DAD)
Detector Detector (ECD)
Detection Measures Measures Detects Measures
Principle absorbance of change in compounds absorbance
UV light by refractive index that capture across a
analytes between mobile electrons spectrum of
phase and (usually UV/Vis
analyte halogenated) wavelengths
simultaneously
Analyte Must absorb UV Must have a Must have Must absorb in
Requirement light refractive index electronegative the UV or
different from groups (e.g., visible range
mobile phase halogens)
Selectivity Moderate to Low Very High High
High (specific for (analyte-specifi
halogenated c absorbance
compounds) spectra)
Sensitivity High (ng range) Low to Very High (pg High (similar to
Moderate range) UV, with
spectral
analysis)
Compatibility Excellent Poor (baseline Limited Excellent
with Gradient drift)
Elution
Quantitative Good Moderate Very Good (for Excellent
Capability specific
compounds)
Qualitative Limited (single None Limited Excellent (full
Information wavelength) UV spectra of
each peak)
Cost Moderate Low to High High
Moderate
Common General Sugars, Pesticides, Drug analysis,
Applications organics, polymers, chlorinated impurity
pharmaceutical alcohols compounds profiling
s
Temperature Low High (must be Low Low
Sensitivity thermostatted)
