Determination of trace amounts of ruthenium from catalytic hydrogen currents by differential pulse polarography and voltammetry

Simple and sensitive electrochemical techniques for the convenient determination of trace amounts of ruthenium were developed, based on the catalytic currents of a Ru (III),Ru(IV) -Cl- system on the surface of a hanging mercury electrode in the potential range -0.9 / -1.35 V versus different reference electrodes. The influence of reagent and instrumental variables was studied. Optimum analytical conditions for the determination of ruthenium were established. Ruthenium (III) content can be determined in the range 10(-6)M- 10(-8)M with a detection limit of 10(-8)M. The influence of potential interferences on the determination of ruthenium was studied. The validity of methods was evaluated by analyzing synthetic and real samples.