Absolute analysis of trace metals through galvanostatic stripping chronopotentiometry with signal accumulation

An electrochemical flow-through cell with a porous working electrode made of vitreous carbon particles and plated with mercury was used for the absolute determination of Pb using galvanostatic stripping chronopotentiometry in a flow system. After completing the potentiostatic electrodeposition of the analyte from the flowing sample solution the flow was stopped and oxygen in the solution inside the pores of the electrode was removed by reducing it. The deposit was then stripped by applying a constant current of 50 to 1000 A and the measured potential vs time (E vs t) data were converted to the dt/dE vs E dependence by a memory mapping technique. Owing to the thin layer properties of the cell, the stripping/deposition steps could be repeated reproducibly enabling the accumulation of the signals while improving the signal to noise ratio. The method was also found to be suitable for the simultaneous determination of Cd, Pb and Cu. The experimental conditions, computerized data handling and signal processing have been investigated. Water, grass and sediment samples were analyzed for traces of Pb.     

Polarographic behaviour of some s-triazine herbicides and their determination by adsorptive stripping voltammetry at the hanging mercury drop electrode

The electrochemical behaviour of six triazine herbicides (atrazine, terbutylazine, desmetryne, prometryne, terbutryne and methoprotryne) was studied by fast scan differential pulse voltammetry (FSDPV) at a static mercury drop electrode and by constant potential coulometry. The adsorption of these compounds at the mercury electrode was employed for their determination by adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) in Britton-Robinson buffers. The detection limits calculated from regression analyses ranged between 0.1 and 0.9 g/l. Preconcentration (solid phase extraction on a C18 column) was used for the determination of very low contents in water samples. The recovery was 97–99.6%.     

Spectrofluorometric method for determination of the total mercury content in environmental samples — Waste waters

A highly selective spectrofluorometric method for the determination of total mercury (Hg) in waste waters is described. Fluorescence quenching of rhodamine B with Hg(II) in the presence of iodide, after a concentration step, is the basis of this sensitive method. All forms of mercury, including organic compounds, are pre-oxidized to ionic mercury by acidic potassium permanganate. The final and complete oxidation is achieved by adding potassium persulphate and heating. Hg(II) was reduced by tin(II) chloride and Hg vapour driven by an air stream into an absorption solution containing potassium permanganate and sulphuric acid, using a closed, recirculating air stream. In this solution fluorescence quenching of rhodamine B at an excitation wavelength of 485 nm and emission wavelength of 586 nm was measured. The recoveries were done by adding 3.0 g Hg/100 ml to each sample before the digestion. It was indicated that the recoveries for determining mercury in waste waters were 98.3%–102.7%. The method gives reliable results down to a concentration of 10 ng Hg/ml waste water.     

Electrochemical reduction of arenechromium tricarbonyl complexes

Conclusions A study was made of the electrochemical reduction of some -ArCr(CO)₃ complexes at a mercury dropping electrode in dimethylformamide on a support of 0.1 NEt₄NClO₄ solution.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 471–473, February, 1975.     

Determination of mercury by electrochemical cold vapor generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry using polyaniline modified graphite electrode as cathode

An electrochemical cold vapor generation system with polyaniline modified graphite electrode as cathode material was developed for Hg (II) determination by coupling with atomic fluorescence spectrometry. This electrochemical cold vapor generation system with polyaniline/graphite electrode exhibited higher sensitivity; excellent stability and lower memory effect compared with graphite electrode electrochemical cold vapor generation system. The relative standard deviation was 2.7% for eleven consecutive measurements of 2 ng mL^− 1 Hg (II) standard solution and the mercury limit of detection for the sample blank solution was 1.3 рg mL^− 1 (3σ). The accuracy of the method was evaluated through analysis of the reference materials GBW09101 (Human hair) and GBW 08517 (Laminaria Japonica Aresch) and the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of human hairs.     

Photoelectrochemical Behavior of Electrodes Containing One-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Photoelectrochemistry of electrodes containing single-walled carbon nanotubes is studied for the first time ever. Photoemission of electrons from such electrodes illuminated by UV light is discovered. It is established that the photocurrent amplitude as a function of the imposed potential obeys the 5/2 law and that the work function into solution for nanotubes and a mercury electrode coincide to within 0.08 eV. Similarity of electrochemical behavior of intermediates on the nanocarbon and mercury electrodes is shown with the reduction of radicals CH₂Cl as an example.     

Nanotopography and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of palladium deposited on different electrode materials

The objective of this work was to describe the characteristics of chemically and electrochemically deposited Pd surface layers on HOPG and polycrystalline gold electrode, using in situ ECSTM and EIS measurements, and SEM-EDX element analysis. Pd surface layers were deposited, in successive voltammetric cycles, and anodically dissolved in 0.01 M HCl+0.01 M (NH₄)₂PdCl₄ aqueous electrolyte. Both of the electrode materials used in the study were treated as standard testing electrodes: (i) HOPG for STM/ECSTM measurements, and (ii) polycrystalline Au as the well known working electrode in various electro-analytical applications. The elements surface analysis and nano-surface pictures were used to interpret the EIS diagrams and electrical equivalent circuits. Pd chemical and electrochemical deposition on the HOPG surface was compared with the same process on the polycrystalline gold electrode, on which palladium can be electrodeposited only by means of electrochemical cathodic deposition. Surface topographies of the electrodeposited palladium layers on HOPG and Au were completely different. The equivalent electrical circuits were fitted and the surface roughness of the investigated electrodes calculated. Relations between the surface topography, EIS and SEM-EDX, and interface model of the electrolyte solution electrodeposited Pd layer matrix electrode were proposed.     

Determination of mercury(II) ion by electrochemical cold vapor generation atomic absorption spectrometry.

A technique for determination of mercury is described; it is based on electrolytic reduction of Hg(II) ion on a graphite cathode, the trapping of mercury vapor and its volatilization into a quartz tube aligned in the optical path of an atomic absorption spectrometer. The electrochemical cell consisted of a graphite cathode and an anode operating with constant direct current for the production of mercury atoms. A pre-activated graphite rod was used as the cathode material. The optimum conditions for electrochemical generation of mercury cold vapor (the electrolysis time and current, the flow rate, the type of electrode and electrolyte) were investigated. The characteristic electrochemical data with chemical cold vapor using NaBH4-acid were compared. The presence of cadmium(II), arsenic(III), antimony(III), selenium(IV), bismuth(III), silver(I), lead(II), lithium(I), sodium(I) and potassium(I) showed interference effects which were eliminated by suitable separation techniques. The calibration curve is linear over the range of 5-90 ng ml(-1) mercury(II). The detection limit is 2 ng ml(-1) of Hg(II) and the RSD is 2.5% (n = 10) for 40 ng ml(-1). The accuracy and recovery of the method were investigated by analyzing spiked tap water and river water.     

Inhibitive detection of benzoic acid using a novel phenols biosensor based on polyaniline–polyacrylonitrile composite matrix

A novel sensitive and stable phenols amperometric biosensor, based on polyaniline–polyacrylonitrile composite matrix, was applied for determination of benzoic acid. The electrochemical biosensor functioning was based on the inhibition effect of benzoic acid on the biocatalytic activity of the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) to its substrate (catechol) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.5). A potential value of −50 mV versus SCE, and a constant catechol concentration of 20 μM were selective to carry out the amperometric inhibition measurement. The kinetic parameters Michaelis-Menten constant and maximum current (I_max) in the absence and in the presence of benzoic acid were also evaluated and the possible inhibition mechanism was deduced. The inhibiting action of benzoic acid on the polyphenol oxidase electrode was reversible and of the typical competitive type, with an apparent inhibition constant of 38 μM. This proposed biosensor detected levels of benzoic acid as low as 2 × 10⁻⁷ M in solution. In addition, the effects of temperature, pH value of solution on the inhibition and the interferences were investigated and discussed herein. Inhibition studies revealed that the proposed electrochemical biosensor was applicable for monitoring benzoic acid in real sample such as milk, yoghurt, sprite and cola.     

On-line coupling of sequential injection lab-on-valve to differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry for determination of Pb in water samples

Sequential injection lab-on-valve (LOV) was first proposed for analyzing ultra-trace amounts of Pb using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) with a miniaturized electrochemical flow cell fabricated in the LOV unit. Deposition and stripping processes took place between the renewable mercury film carbon paste electrode and sample solution, the peak current was employed as the basis of quantification. The mercury film displayed a long-term stability and reproducibility for at least 50 cycles before next renewal, the properties of integrated miniature LOV unit not only enhanced the automation of the analysis procedure but also declined sample/reagent consumption. Potential factors that affect the present procedure were investigated in detail, i.e., deposition potential, deposition time, electrode renewable procedure and the volume of sample solution. The practical applicability of the present procedure was demonstrated by determination of Pb in environmental water samples.     

Proposal for a mercury isolation procedure using cold vapor method in combination with voltammetric determination using a rotating gold electrode

The optimal process of pre-treatment and activation of gold rotating disc electrode (AuRDE) before voltammetric determination of mercury is proposed. This treatment encompasses polishing of the electrode surface, electrochemical cycling, and activation. This procedure both increases determination sensitivity as well as improves determination reproducibility. The detection limit on the working electrode achieved using this approach amounted to 8.26·10⁻¹⁰ mol L⁻¹for direct mercury determination in water solution (applying 200 s running accumulation). The procedure of the quantitative mercury isolation from complicated sample matrix was developed as well. It provides better selectivity and significant increase of sensitivity of mercury determination. In case of mercury isolation from one liter of water the detection limit is 6.23·10⁻¹¹ mol L⁻¹ (analyzing a greater sample volume the determined concentration could be lower).      

Electrochemical Characterization of a Pyrolytic Carbon Film Electrode and the Effect of Anodization

A pyrolytic carbon (PC) film electrode was fabricated by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. This report deals with the preparation, characterization and electrochemical behavior of this carbon film. Cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to characterize the electrode. Low background current and capacitance were observed and the rate of charge transfer for Fe(CN) redox couple was determined via cyclic voltammetry. Also the effect of the anodic activation on the electrochemical activity was evaluated and characterized with respect to the sequence of voltage applied to the electrode. The excellent electrochemical activity and low background current are the reasons why this electrode is attractive for electroanalysis measurements with lower detection limit.     

Rapid Determination of Mercury in Water by Stripping Voltammetry at a Gold-Modified Carbon Electrode

A procedure was developed for determining mercury in natural water by stripping voltammetry on a gold-modified carbon electrode. The concentration dependence of the anodic stripping current of mercury is linear in the range 0.02–5 g/L Hg(II). The interference of Fe(III), Cu(II), Cl^–, Br^–, I^–, and F^– ions with the determination of mercury was studied. Ozonation was used for rapid sample preparation. The detection limit for mercury was 0.02 g/L at an electrolysis time of 5 min.     

Voltammetric determination of trace amounts of mercury with a carbon paste electrode modified with an anion-exchanger

Summary A carbon paste electrode modified with a liquid anion exchanger (Amberlite LA2) was used for the voltammetric determination of mercury(II). Mercury is preconcentrated, as tetrachloromercurate(II), onto the surface of the modified electrode only by the ion-exchange effect of the modifier without application of potential. After exchange of the medium the accumulated amount of mercury(II) is determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry in a blank electrolyte solution. The response depends on the concentration of mercury in the bulk solution, preconcentration time, and other parameters. The detection limit was 1 g Hg(II)/l when a suitable time for preconcentration was chosen. Preconcentration for 5 min yields a linear calibration graph for concentrations up to 1000 g Hg(II)/l. The effect of other ions on the determination of mercury and the applicability of the method to the analysis of phenylmercury compounds in pharmaceutical preparations were investigated.     

Kinetics and Mechanism of Reduction of Nickel(II) Ethylenediamine Complexes at a Dropping Mercury Electrode

Effect of concentration of ethylenediamine molecules and supporting electrolytes (NaF, NaClO₄) on the kinetics of electroreduction of nickel(II) ethylenediamine complexes at dropping and stationary mercury electrodes is studied. The limiting current on the dropping electrode is found to have diffusion–kinetic nature at free ethylenediamine molecule concentrations of 0.5 mM to 0.05 M. The slow electrochemical stage is presumably preceded by a slow chemical stage and a reversible chemical stage. In the former, one chelate cycle in the source complex Ni(en)²⁺ ₃ opens; and in the latter, a monodentate-coordinated ethylenediamine molecule is abstracted. The conclusion is drawn about an inner-sphere mechanism of the electrochemical stage which involves Ni(en)²⁺ ₂ complexes specifically adsorbed on mercury.     

Studies on the electrochemistry of rutin and its interaction with bovine serum albumin using a glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon-coated nickel nanoparticles

We report on a glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon-coated nickel nanoparticles (C-Ni/GCE) that can be used to study the electrochemical properties of rutin and its interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) via cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The effects of pH value, accumulation potential, accumulation time and reaction time were optimized. A pair of reversible peaks is found in the potential range of 0 to around 0.6 V at pH?5.0. Two linear response ranges (with different slopes) are found, one in the 2 to 210 nM concentration range, the other between 0.21 and 1.72 μM. The detection limit is as low as 0.6 nM. On addition of BSA to the rutin solution, a decrease of the current is observed that is proportional to the concentration of BSA. The binding constant and stoichiometric ratio were calculated.

Sensitive voltammetric determination of rutin in pharmaceuticals, human serum, and traditional Chinese medicines using a glassy carbon electrode coated with graphene nanosheets, chitosan, and a poly(amido amine) dendrimer

The electrochemical behavior of rutin was investigated in pH 6.0 buffer solution using a glassy carbon electrode coated with graphene nanosheets, chitosan and a poly (amidoamine) dendrimer in pH?6.0 buffer solution. The results indicate that the modified electrode displays electrochemical redox activity towards rutin, and that the oxidation peak current of rutin increases significantly compared to that at other electrodes. The amount of immobilized graphene and dendrimer, pH value, scan rate, accumulation time and accumulation potential were optimized. The kinetic parameters, charge transfer coefficient, transfer electron number, proton transfer number, standard rate constant, were calculated. Under the optimized conditions, the oxidation peak current is proportional to the concentration of rutin in the range between 0.001 and 2.0???mol L^?1 (R?=?0.9991). The detection limit is 0.6?nmol L^?1 (at S/N?=?3). The electrode exhibits satisfactory selectivity and reproducibility and was applied to the determination of rutin in pharmaceutical preparations, spiked human serum, and traditional Chinese medicine, with recoveries between 97.2 and 104.67%.

Amperometric Detection of Dopamine in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid Using a Nafion Coated Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Catechin Hydrate as a Natural Antioxidant

Catechin hydrate (trans-3,3,4,5,7-penta-hydroxyflavone) is a derivative of catechol, and it is one of the natural antioxidant and anticarcinogenic compounds found in many fruits and agricultural foods. A new electrode was prepared by electrodeposition of a catechin-hydrate film on the surface of an activated glassy carbon electrode, followed by coating with nafion layer. Cyclic voltammetry was used for the deposition process, and the resulting modified electrode was found to retain the activity of the quinone/hydroquinone group anticipated for a surface-immobilized redox couple. The cyclic voltammograms of the modified electrode indicated that the surface-confined catechin-hydrate was strongly dependent on the solution pH. The electrochemical behaviour and stability of the modified electrode were studied by cyclic voltammetry. The apparent charge transfer rate constant (k _s ) and electron transfer coefficient () between the electrode surface and adsorbed catechin hydrate were calculated as 0.41 and 0.31s^z–1 0.31, respectively. The modified electrode exhibits an electrocatalytic effect on dopamine oxidation in the pH range of 2 to 7. The modified electrode was used for the electrocatalytic oxidation of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and the elimination of the interference by ascorbic acid (AA) when present in a 200-fold concentration excess. A very large decrease (400mV) in the overpotential for the oxidation of dopamine and current increase were observed on the surface of the modified electrode. Dopamine was determined amperometrically at the modified electrode in the concentration range of 100nM to 0.1mM. The detection limit (signal to noise is 3) and sensitivity are 11nM and 16nA/µM, respectively. The modified electrode was employed to determine DA in biological mediums.     

A Sensor for the Determination of Electropositive Elements

An electrochemical sensor, namely, a graphite thick-film electrode modified with Au(III) was proposed for the determination of Hg, As, Se, and Cu. The detection limits for mercury and arsenic using the new sensor are 0.005 and 0.1 g/L, respectively.     

Electrical Double Layer on Liquid Bi–Ga Alloys in Aqueous Solutions

Double-layer characteristics of a liquid bismuth–gallium electrode are studied in aqueous electrolyte solutions. Based on the results obtained it is shown that Bi in an alloy with Ga is a surface-active component and forced out to the electrode surface layer. For electrode charges q –5 C/cm², the double layer characteristics of Bi–Ga electrodes approach those of a bismuth electrode. Thus, with respect to its electrochemical properties, a Bi–Ga electrode containing 0.25 at. % Bi simulates a liquid bismuth electrode. The corrected electrochemical work function is determined for bismuth. The close values of the difference of zero-charge potentials on mercury and bismuth in water and the difference of corrected electrochemical work functions for these metals points to the very low hydrophilicity of the Bi–Ga electrode, which approaches the value for mercury at negative electrode potentials. Taking into account that the Bi–Ga electrode displays no semimetallic properties, the similarity of the electric double layer (EDL) parameters for the Bi–Ga alloy and solid pure Bi indicates that the semimetallic properties of bismuth make no contribution to the EDL characteristics of the alloy in the studied range of negative charges q –5 C/cm².