A simple, reliable and rapid method for increasing the responsiveness of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the analysis of biogenic amines by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LCEC).

A simple procedure has been devised for reversing the passivation of the GCE that occurs during electrochemical analyses. Alumina polishing is unpredictable in that occasionally it may worsen the problem. The present procedure involves treating the GCE with a CrO3-H2SO4 solution. It is fast (30 seconds), reliable, and increases the responsiveness of the electrode above that obtainable by alumina polishing.