Efforts continue in an attempt to develop new approaches for
CVG of trace elements. Electrochemical vapor generation, which
uses electrons as reductants,6-8 has been shown to be a suitable
alternative to chemical reaction CVG. The most significant
advantage of electrochemical generation is that it obviates the need
for chemical reducing reagents. However, there are several
shortcomings for electrochemical vapor generation.9 First, the
cathode material must be carefully selected because it strongly
influences the performance of the electrochemical process.
Second, the cathode surface requires frequent conditioning,
typically on a daily basis. Transition metal ions interfere with the
vapor production by being reduced and deposited on the cathode