Selective solid-phase extraction of trace Au(III), Pd(II) and Pt(IV) using activated carbon modified with 2,6-diaminopyridine

A new sorbent was prepared by immobilization of 2,6-diaminopyridine on activated carbon and then used as a solid-phase extractant for trace Au(III), Pd(II) and Pt(IV) before their determination by ICP-AES. Effects of pH, the shaking time, the sample flow rate and volume, the elution condition and the potentially interfering ions were investigated. The optimum pH value is 1. The maximum static adsorption capacity for the three ions is 202.7, 38.5 and 30.1?mg?g^?1, respectively. The adsorbed metal ions can be completely eluted by 2?mL of the eluent solution that contains 0.05?mol?L^?1 HCl and 5% thiourea. Common other ions do not interfere. The detection limits (3??) are 0.16, 0.33 and 0.29?ng?mL^?1, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than 3.0% (n?=?8). The new sorbent was applied to the preconcentration of the three ions in ore and rock samples with satisfactory results.

Electrochemical investigation of a glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon nanotubes decorated with (poly)crystalline gold

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes with nanosized sputtered gold were used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The substrate was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. SEM micrographs indicated an uniform coverage of the carbon nanotubes with nanosized (poly)crystalline gold. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that peak separation of the unmodified GCE in the presence of 1?mM ferricyanide is 131?mV, but 60?mV only for the modified GCE. In addition, the oxidation of NADH (1?mmol?L^?1 solution) begins at negative potentials (around ?100?mV vs. Ag/AgCl), and the anodic peak potential (corresponding to the irreversible oxidation of NADH) is found at +94?mV. The effect of pH on the electrocatalytic activity was studied in the range from 5.4 to 8.0. The relationship between the anodic peak potential and the pH indicated a variation of ?33.5?mV/pH which is in agreement with a two-electron and one-proton reaction mechanism. Amperometry, performed at either ?50 or +50?mV vs. an Ag/AgCl reference electrode, indicates that the modified electrode is a viable amperometric sensor for NADH. At a working potential of +50?mV, the response to NADH is linear in the concentration range from 1 to 100???mol?L^?1, with an RSD of 6% (n?=?4).

Anodic stripping voltammetric determination of silver ion at a carbon paste electrode modified with carbon nanotubes

A carbon paste electrode (CPE) was modified with multi-wall carbon nanotubes and successfully applied to the determination of silver ion by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. Compared to a conventional CPE, a remarkably improved peak current response and sensitivity is observed. The analytical procedure consisted of an open circuit accumulation step for 2?min in ?0.4?V, this followed by an anodic potential scan between +0.2 and?+?0.6?V to obtain the voltammetric peak. The oxidation peak current is proportional to the concentration of silver ion in the range from 1.0?×?10^?8 to 1.0?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1, with a detection limit of 1.8?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1 after an accumulation time of 120?s. The relative standard deviation for 7 successive determinations of Ag(I) at 0.1???M concentration is 1.99%. The procedure was validated by determining Ag(I) in natural waters.

Carbon paste electrode modified with a binuclear manganese complex as a sensitive voltammetric sensor for tryptophan

We report on a carbon paste electrode that was modified with a binuclear manganese(II) complex by the drop-coating method. A study on the mechanism of the electro-oxidation of tryptophan (Trp) at this electrode indicated that it enables Trp to be determined with good sensitivity and selectivity. Second-order derivative linear sweep voltammetry at pH 4.1 revealed that a sensitive anodic peak appears at 812?mV (vs. SCE) whose current is proportional to the concentration of Trp in the concentration range from 0.1 to 1.0???mol?L^?1 and 1.0 to 80???mol?L^?1, with a detection limit (S/N?=?3) of 0.08???mol?L^?1 (60?s of accumulation). The method was applied to the determination of Trp in amino acid injection solutions with satisfactory results.

Separation and preconcentration of gold and palladium ions with a carboxylated pillar[5]arene derived sorbent prior to their determination by flow injection FAAS

We report on the use of a water-insoluble pillar[5]arene derivative carrying ten carboxy groups as an adsorbent, packed in a glass microcolumn, for the separation and preconcentration of trace gold (Au) and palladium (Pd). Sample pH, sample loading time, sample flow rate, eluent concentration, and eluent flow rate were optimized. Effects of potentially interfering metal ions that are commonly encountered in soil were also investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the enrichment factors for Au and Pd are 12 and 16, respectively. Flow injection in combination with flame atomic absorption spectrometry was then applied for the quantitation of the elements. The analytical range is linear in the range between 0.05 and 1 μg mL^?1 for both Au and Pd. The limits of detection are 15.9 μg L^?1 for Au and 16.0 μg L^?1 for Pd, with relative standard deviations (for n?=?11) of 0.7 % (Au) and 0.4 % (Pd), respectively. The accuracy of the method was validated using certified reference materials (coal and ash) and geological samples. Figure

A pillar[5]arene derivative carrying ten carboxy groups was used for the adsorption of Au(III) and Pd(II) ions which then were determined by flow-injection FAAS. After optimization, the method was successfully applied to the determination of these ions in certified reference materials and geological samples     

Determination of N-acetylcysteine via its effect on the aggregation of gold nanoparticles

The effect of thiol compounds on the kinetics of the aggregation of gold nanoparticles in the presence of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide has been studied. It was applied to the determination of N-acetylcysteine using the stopped-flow mixing technique along with light scattering detection. The signal obtained was measured after about 5?s, and gave the analytical information for a calibration graph in the concentration range from 2.9 to 60???mol?L^?1 of N-acetylcysteine, and a detection limit of 0.87???mol?L^?1. The effect of other thiols on the system is also described. The relative standard deviation ranges between 0.6% and 3.5%. The method was applied to the determination of N-acetylcysteine in several pharmaceutical samples with recoveries that range from 97.7% to 101.1%.

Sensitive simultaneous determination of catechol and hydroquinone using a gold electrode modified with carbon nanofibers and gold nanoparticles

A highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous determination of catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ) was fabricated by electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles onto carbon nanofiber film pre-cast on an Au electrode. Both CC and HQ cause a pair of quasi-reversible and well-defined redox peaks at the modified electrode in pH?7.0 solution. Simultaneously, the oxidation peak potentials of CC and HQ become separated by 112?mV. When simultaneously changing the concentrations of both CC and HQ, the response is linear between 9.0???M and 1.50?mM. In the presence of 0.15?mM of the respective isomer, the electrode gives a linear response in the range from 5.0 to 350???M, and from 9.0 to 500???M for CC and HQ, respectively, and detection limits are 0.36 and 0.86???M. The method was successfully examined for real sample analysis with high selectivity and sensitivity.

A nanocomposite made from conducting organic polymers and multi-walled carbon nanotubes for the adsorption and separation of gold(III) ions

We describe a new method for the separation and preconcentration of traces of Au(III) in environmental samples. Sorbents made from modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes and conducting polymers (PANI and PEDOT) were used for solid-phase extraction. The Au(III) ions are adsorbed as a result of the interaction with the electron pairs of =N- and -S- groups. Effects of pH value, flow rate and volume of sample, type, volume and concentration of eluent, and the adsorption capacity were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of MWCNTs/PANI and MWCNTs/PEDOT are 159 and 176?mg?g^?1, and the detection limits of this method are below 0.3 and 0.5?ng?mL^?1, respectively. The procedure was successfully applied to the determination of traces of Au(III) in a reference material and in environmental samples.

The electrochemistry of uric acid at a gold electrode modified with L-cysteine, and its application to sensing uric urine

The electrochemistry of uric acid at a gold electrode modified with a self-assembled film of L-cysteine was studied by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Compared to the bare gold electrode, uric acid showed better electrochemical response in that the anodic peak current is stronger and the peak potential is negatively shifted by about 100 mV. The effects of experimental conditions on the oxidation of uric acid were tested and a calibration plot was established. The differential pulse response to uric acid is linear in the concentration range from 1.0?×?10^?6 to ~?1.0?×?10^?4 mol?L^?1 (r?=?0.9995) and from 1.0?×?10^?4 to ~?5.0?×?10^?4 mol?L^?1 (r?=?0.9990), the detection limit being 1.0?×?10^?7 mol?L^?1 (at S/N?=?3). The high sensitivity and good selectivity of the electrode was demonstrated by its practical application to the determination of uric acid in urine samples.

Square wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of lead(II) using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a lead ionophore and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We report on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a lead ionophore and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. It can be applied to square wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of Pb(II) ion after preconcentration of Pb(II) at ?1.0?V (vs. SCE) for 300?s in pH?4.5 acetate buffer containing 400?μg?L^?1 of Bi(III). The ionophore-MWCNTs film on the GCE possesses strong and highly selective affinity for Pb(II) as confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance experiments. Under the optimum conditions, a linear response was observed for Pb(II) ion in the range from 0.3 to 50?μg?L^?1. The limit of detection (at S/N?=?3) is 0.1?μg?L^?1. The method was applied to the determination of Pb(II) in water samples with acceptable recovery.

Glassy carbon electrode modified with organic�Cinorganic pillared montmorillonites for voltammetric detection of mercury

A glassy carbon electrode modified with organic?Cinorganic pillared montmorillonite was used for voltammetric detection of mercury(II) in water. High sensitivity is obtained due to the use of the montmorillonites which displays outstanding capability in terms of adsorbing mercury ion due to its high specific surface and the presence of multiple binding sites. The experimental parameters and the effect of a chelating agent were optimized to further enhance sensitivity and selectivity. Linear calibration curves were obtained over the Hg(II) concentration range from 10 to 800???g?L^?1 for 5?min accumulation, with a detection limit of 1???g?L^?1. Simultaneous determination of Hg(II) and Cu(II) was also studied, and no interference was observed.

Amperometric determination of L-tyrosine by an enzymeless sensor based on a carbon ceramic electrode modified with copper oxide nanoparticles

We report on the electrochemical formation of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) at a carbon ceramic electrode (CCE) as a highly-porous substrate. A copper film was deposited on the surface of the CCE and derivatized in situ to give CuO-NPs by potential cycling between ?0.8 and 0.35?V in strongly alkaline solution. The electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The CuO-NPs exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of L-tyrosine (L-Tyr) in responding linearly in the 2 to 1,350???M concentration range, an associated detection limit (S/N?=?3) of 160?nM, and a sensitivity of 0.61?A?M^?1?cm^?2.

Glassy carbon electrode modified with a film composed of Ni(II), quercetin and graphene for enzyme-less sensing of glucose

We present a modified glassy carbon electrode as a sensing platform for glucose. It is based on a composite film prepared from Ni(II) ion, quercetin and graphene. The sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry. The electron transfer coefficient, reaction rate constant and catalytic rate constant were determined and found to be 0.53, 5.4?s^?1 and 2.93?×?10³?M^?1 s^?1, respectively. The catalytic current depends linearly on the concentration of glucose in the range from 3 to 900???M, with a detection limit of 0.5???M (at an S/R of 3). The sensor exhibits good reproducibility, stability, fast response, and high sensitivity.

Determination of mercury(II) in water samples using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and back extraction along with capillary zone electrophoresis

We have developed a method for the determination of mercury in water samples that combines dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) with back-extraction (BE) and detection by capillary zone electrophoresis. DLLME is found to be a simple, cost-effective and rapid method for extraction and preconcentration. The BE procedure is based on the fact that the stability constant of the hydrophilic chelate of Hg(II) with L-cysteine is much larger than that of the respective complex with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol. Factors affecting complex formation and extraction efficiency (such as pH value, concentration of the chelating agent, time of ultrasonication and extraction, and type and quantity of disperser solvent) were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factor is 625, and the limit of detection is 0.62???g?L^?1. The calibration plot is linear in the range between 1 and 1,000???g?L^?1 (R ²?=?0.9991), and the relative standard deviation (RSD, for n?=?6) is 4.1%. Recoveries were determined with tap water and seawater spiked at levels of 10 and 100???g?L^?1, respectively, and ranged from 86.6% to 95.1%, with corresponding RSDs of 3.95?C5.90%.

Label-free immunosensing of microcystin-LR using a gold electrode modified with gold nanoparticles

The hepatotoxic microcystins, especially microcystin?CLR (MC?CLR), are causing serious problems to public health and fisheries. We describe here a label-free amperometric immunosensor for rapid determination of MC?CLR in water sample. The sensor was prepared by immobilizing antibody on a gold electrode coated with L-cysteine-modified gold nanoparticles. The stepwise self-assembly of the immunosensor was monitored and characterized by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry. A 0.60?mmol L^?1 solution of hydroquinone was used as the electron mediator. The immunosensor was incubated with MC?CLR at 25?°C for 20?min, upon which the differential pulse voltammetric current changed linearly over the concentration range from 0.05 to 15.00???g L^?1, with a detection limit of 20?ng L^?1. The developed biosensor was used to determine MC?CLR in spiked crude algae samples. The recovery was in the range from 95.6 to 105%. This method is simple, economical and efficient, this making it potentially suitable for field analysis of MC-LR in crude algae and water samples.

Fluorescent sensing of nitrite at nanomolar level using functionalized mesoporous silica

Aminopyrene was covalently anchored onto mesoporous silica through serial post-grafting to obtain a fluorescent solid that can be used as a sensing material for the determination of nitrite. The latter, in acidic medium, reacts with the secondary amino groups on the material to form a non-fluorescent nitroso derivative. Based on the fluorescence quenching caused by this specific reaction, a method was developed for the determination of nitrite at nanomolar levels. The range for detection of nitrite in 1.5?mol.L^?1 HCl is linear between 1.50?nM to 0.45???M and 0.45???M to 2.22???M, the detection limit being 1.10?nM and 0.307???M respectively at an S/N of 3.

Selective solid-phase extraction and separation of trace gold, palladium and platinum using activated carbon modified with ethyl-3-(2-aminoethylamino)-2-chlorobut-2-enoate

Activated carbon was chemically modified with ethyl-3-(2-aminoethylamino)-2-chlorobut-2-enoate to obtain a material for selective solid-phase extraction of trace Au(III), Pd(II) and Pt(IV) prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Experimental conditions such as effects of pH, shaking time, sample flow rate and volume, elution and interfering ions were studied. The ions Au(III), Pd(II) and Pt(IV) can be quantitatively adsorbed on the new sorbent from solution of pH 1. The adsorbed ions were then eluted with 0.1 mol L^?1 hydrochloric acid and containing 4% thiourea. Many common ions do not interfere. The adsorption capacity of the material is 305, 92, and 126 mg g^?1 for Au(III), Pd(II) and Pt(IV), respectively, and the detection limits are 5, 11 and 9 ng mL^?1. The relative standard deviation is less than 3.0% (n?=?8) under optimum conditions. The method was validated by analyzing two certified reference materials and successfully applied to the preconcentration and determination of these ions in actual samples with satisfactory results.

Preconcentration and separation of ultra-trace palladium ion using pyridine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles

We present a study on the application of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) prepared from Fe₃O₄ and functionalized with pyridine as an adsorbent for the solid-phase extraction of trace quantities of Pd(II) ion. The pyridine group was immobilized on the surface of the MNPs by covalent bonding of isonicotinamide. The modified MNPs can be readily separated from an aqueous solution by applying an external magnetic field. Effects of pH, the amount of functionalized MNPs, extraction time, type and quantity of eluent, desorption time, break-through volume and interfering ions on the extraction efficiency were optimized. The amount of Pd(II) was then determined using FAAS. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limit and preconcentration factor are 0.15?μg?L^-1 and 196, respectively, and the relative standard deviation (at 20?μgL^?1; for n?=?10) is 3.7?%. The method had a linear analytical range from 1 to 80?μg?L^-1 and was applied to determine Pd(II) in spiked tape water and soil.

Determination of Pt and Pd in particles emitted from automobile exhaust catalysts using ion-exchange matrix separation and voltammetric detection

We report on the ion-exchange separation of Pt and Pd from the main elements emitted from catalysts of gasoline-fueled cars by exploiting the selective chelating ion exchanger Lewatit MonoPlus TP-214. Pt and Pd were then eluted with a recovery of 92% and 96%, respectively, using an acidified solution of thiourea, and the eluent was analyzed by sequential voltammetry. The detection limits are 0.04 μg L^?1 and 1 μg L^?1 for Pt and Pd, respectively, and the relative standard deviation is about 4.0% (for n?=?10). The procedure was successfully applied to particles emitted from automobile exhaust catalysts of four capacity engine vehicles. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was also employed for reasons of comparison. Emission by four vehicles with 1400, 2600, 3200, and 4800 cc engines, respectively, ranged from 19 to 28 ng km^?1 for Pt, and from 102 to 150 ng km^?1 for Pd.

Supramolecular�Cbased dispersive liquid�Cliquid microextraction: A novel sample preparation technique for determination of inorganic species

A new simple and sensitive method has been developed for the determination of trace levels of inorganic species in environmental water samples. It is based on the use of supramolecular?Cbased dispersive liquid?Cliquid microextraction (SM?CDLLME) prior to microsample introduction into FAAS. The ions are micro?Cextracted with coacervates composed of reverse micelles made from decanoic acid and dispersed in tetrahydrofuran?Cwater mixtures. Cobalt ion was used as a model ion, and 1?C (2?Cpyridylazo)?C2?Cnaphthol as the complexing agent. SM?CDLLME results from a combination of DLLME with coacervation?Cbased microextraction. It combines the advantages of DLLME with those of preconcentration based on coacervation and reverse micelles. Factors affecting the extraction efficiency of Co and its subsequent determination by FAAS were optimized. Under the optimized conditions and using 5.00?mL sample only, the enhancement factor is 58, the limit of detection is 4.2???g L^?C1, and the relative standard deviations for 100???g L^?C1 and 30???g L^?C1 of Co are 2.1% and 3.8%, respectively (n?=?6). The accuracy of the method was confirmed by parallel analyses using the ASTM reference method.