Nickel Amperometric Detector Prepared by Electroless Deposition for Microchip Electrophoretic Measurement of Alcohols and Sugars

Nickel was deposited directly at the end of an electrophoretic glass microchip using an electroless deposition procedure leading to an attractive amperometric detector for sugars and alcohols. Such direct electroless deposition of nickel at the end of the separation chip greatly simplifies the preparation of on‐chip electrochemical detectors. Variables affecting the preparation and operation of the new detector are characterized and optimized. The integrated capillary electrophoresis‐electrochemical detection microsystem was evaluated for the separation of alcohols and sugars in connection to assays of different beer and wine samples. Linear calibration plots and favorable detection limits are found that meet the needs of real sample (wine and beer) analyses. This represents the first example of using nickel electrode and detecting alcohols on microchip platforms.