An evaluation of the experimental approaches to detection of small ions in CE

This review points out some important trends in the development of the detection techniques for small ions in CE. On the basis of selected literature references it briefly discusses some general requirements on detection techniques in CE. Various optical measurements, mass spectrometric approaches and electrochemical detection techniques are dealt with. Some specific features of microchip CE separation and detection are pointed out and possibilities of dual detection are mentioned. The principal parameters of the above detection techniques are then briefly compared.