Proton and hydroxide ion mobility in capillary electrophoresis

A capillary electrophoresis method for measuring the effective mobilities of proton and hydroxide ions was developed. Photodiode array detection coupled with pH-indicating dyes enabled the detection of proton and hydroxide ions using a conventional CE instrument. The effects of ionic strength and pH of the background electrolyte on the measurement of effective mobility of the proton were first investigated. Mobility measurements were found to be independent of applied voltage. Hydroxide ion mobility was also measured and found to be in agreement with literature values. The effects of pH indicator and proton source on the ion mobility were determined and are described herein.