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.

Determination of cadmium(II) using carbon paste electrode modified with a Cd-ion imprinted polymer

We have synthesized cadmium(II) ion-imprinted polymers (IIP) and non-imprinted polymers (NIP) using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol as a ligand. The materials were used to prepare a carbon paste electrode for the determination of Cd(II). Polymerization was performed with (a) methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, (b) ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinking monomer, and (c) 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) as the initiator. Imprinted cadmium ion was removed from the polymeric matrix using nitric acid. The measurements were carried out in an closed circuit after accumulation at ?1.2?V, this followed by electrolysis of the accumulated Cd(II) by voltammetric scanning from ?1.0 to ?0.6?V. The parameters governing the response of the electrode were studied. Under optimized conditions, the response of the electrode is linear in the range from 2.0 to 200?ng?mL^?1. The detection limit is 0.31?ng?mL^?1. The relative standard deviations are ±3.4 and ±2.1?% for 7 successive determinations of 20.0 and 50.0?ng?mL-1 of Cd(II), respectively. The method was applied to the determination of cadmium (II) in water and food samples.

Label-free sandwich type of immunosensor for hepatitis C virus core antigen based on the use of gold nanoparticles on a nanostructured metal oxide surface

We report on the construction of a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for detecting the core antigen of the hepatitis C virus (HCV core antigen). A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with a nanocomposite made from gold nanoparticles, zirconia nanoparticles and chitosan, and prepared by in situ reduction. The zirconia nanoparticles were first dispersed in chitosan solution, and then AuNPs were prepared in situ on the ZrO₂-chitosan composite. In parallel, a nanocomposite was synthesized from AuNPs, silica nanoparticles and chitosan, and conjugated to a secondary antibody. The properties of the resulting nanocomposites were investigated by UV-visible photometry and transmission electron microscopy, and the stepwise assembly process was characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. An sandwich type of immunosensor was developed which displays high sensitivity to the HCV core antigen in the concentration range between 2 and 512?ng?mL^?1, with a detection limit of 0.17?ng?mL^?1 (at S/N?=?3). This immunosensor provides an alternative approach towards the diagnosis of HCV.

A glassy carbon electrode modified with antimony and poly(p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid) for sensing lead(II) by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry

We have developed a sensor for the square wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of Pb(II). A glassy carbon electrode was modified with a thin film of an antimony/poly(p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid) composite in air-saturated aqueous solution of pH 2.0. Compared to a conventional antimony film electrode, the new one yields a larger stripping signal for Pb(II). The conditions of polymerization, the concentration of Sb(III), the pH value of the sample solution, the deposition potential and time, frequency, potential amplitude, and step increment potential were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, a linear response was observed for Pb(II) in the range of 0.5 to 150.0 μg?L^?1. The detection limit for Pb(II) is 0.1 μg?L^?1.

Anodic stripping voltammetry of silver(I) using a carbon paste electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

We describe a silver(I)-selective carbon paste electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and a silver-chelating Schiff base, and its electrochemical response to Ag(I). Effects of reduction potential and time, accumulation time, pH of the solution and the stripping medium were studied by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry and optimized. The findings resulted in a method for the determination of silver over a linear response range (from 0.5 to 235 ng?mL^?1) and with a detection limit as low as 0.08 ng?mL^?1. The sensor displays good repeatability (with the RSD of ±?2.75 % for 7 replicates) and was applied to the determination of Ag(I) in water samples and X-ray photographic films.

A lead(II) sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with Fe3O4 nanospheres and carbon nanotubes

We have developed a highly sensitive and selective sensor for lead(II) ions. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with Fe₃O₄ nanospheres and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and this material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrode displays good electrochemical activity toward Pb(II) and gives anodic and cathodic peaks with potentials at ?496 mV and ?638 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) in pH?6.0 solution. The sensor exhibits a sensitive and fairly selective response to Pb(II) ion, with a linear range between 20 pM and 1.6 nM, and a detection limit as low as 6.0 pM (at a signal-to noise ratio of 3). The sensor was successfully applied to monitor Pb(II) in spiked water samples.

A nanomaterial composed of cobalt nanoparticles, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and graphene with high electrocatalytic activity for nitrite oxidation

We have investigated the oxidative electrochemistry of nitrite on glassy carbon electrodes modified with cobalt nanoparticles, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and graphene. The modified electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results suggest that this new type of electrode combines the advantages of PEDOT-graphene films and cobalt nanoparticles and exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of nitrite. There is a linear relationship between the peak current and the nitrite concentration in the range from 0.5?μM to 240?μM, and the detection limit is 0.15?μM. The modified electrodes also enable the determination of nitrite at low potentials where the noise level and interferences by other electro-oxidizable compounds are weak.

Synthesis of multi-branched gold nanoparticles by reduction of tetrachloroauric acid with Tris base, and their application to SERS and cellular imaging

A biosensor for hydrogen peroxide was constructed by immobilizing horseradish peroxidase on chitosan-wrapped NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electron mediator carboxyferrocene was also immobilized on the surface of the GCE. UV?Cvis spectra, Fourier transform IR spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectra were acquired to characterize the biosensor. The experimental conditions were studied and optimized. The biosensor responds linearly to H₂O₂ in the range from 1.0?×?10^?5 to 2.0?×?10^?3?M and with a detection limit of 2.0?×?10^?6?M (at S/N?=?3).

Electrochemical immunoassay for subgroup J of avian leukosis viruses using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a film of poly (3-thiophene boronic acid), gold nanoparticles, graphene and immobilized antibody

We have modified a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with a film of poly(3-thiophene boronic acid), gold nanoparticles and graphene, and an antibody (Ab) was immobilized on its surface through the covalent bond formed between the boronic acid group and the glycosyl groups of the Ab. Subgroup J of avian leukosis viruses (ALV-J) were electrochemically determined with the help of this electrode. There is a linear relationship between the electron transfer resistance (R _et) and the concentration of ALV-J in the range from 527 to 3,162 TCID₅₀?mL^?1 (where TCID₅₀ is the 50?% tissue culture infective dose). The detection limit is 210 TCID₅₀?mL^?1 (at an S/N of 3), and the correlation coefficient (R) is 0.9964. The electrochemical immunoassay showed good selectivity, stability and reproducibility.

Supported hydrophobic ionic liquid on magnetic nanoparticles as a new sorbent for separation and preconcentration of lead and cadmium in milk and water samples

We have prepared a highly selective and efficient sorbent for the simultaneous separation and preconcentration of lead and cadmium ions from milk and water samples. An ionic liquid was deposited on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (IL-MNPs) and used for solid phase extraction of these ions. The IL-MNPs carrying the target metals were then separated from the sample solution by applying an external magnetic field. Lead and cadmium were almost quantitatively retained by the IL-MNPs, and then eluted with nitric acid. The effect of different variables on solid phase extraction was investigated. The calibration curve is linear in the range from 0.3 to 20?ng mL^?1 of Cd(II), and from 5 to 330?ng mL^?1 of Pb(II) in the initial solution. Under optimum conditions, the detection limits are 1.61 and 0.122?μg?L-1 for Pb(II) and Cd(II) respectively. Relative standard deviations (n?=?10) were 2.87?% and 1.45?% for 0.05?μg?mL^-1 and 0.2?μg?mL^-1 of Cd (II) and Pb (II) respectively. The preconcentration factor is 200 for both of ions.

Solid-phase extraction of lead(II) ions using multiwalled carbon nanotubes grafted with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were grafted with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (MWCNTs-TAA) and employed for solid phase extraction and preconcentration of trace lead ions prior to its determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The material was characterized by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, thermosgravimetric and elemental analysis. The effects of pH value, shaking time, sample volume, elution conditions and potentially interfering ions were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity is 38?mg?g^?1 of Pb(II), the detection limit is 0.32?ng?mL^?1, the enrichment factor is 60, and the relative standard deviation is 3.5% (n?=?6). The method has been applied to the preconcentration of trace amounts of Pb(II) in environmental water samples with satisfactory results.

Highly sensitive carbon paste electrode with silver-filled carbon nanotubes as a sensing element for determination of free cyanide ion in aqueous solutions

We report on newly synthesized Ag(I)-filled multiwall carbon nanotubes as a potential sensing element in ion-selective carbon paste electrodes for the determination of free cyanide in aqueous solution. The electrode was obtained by entrapping the silver-filled nanotubes into a carbon paste and displays a Nernstian response with a slope of 59.8?±?0.3?mV decade^?1, a very wide linear range (from 21.0?nM to 0.1?M of cyanide), a lower detection limit of 13.0?nM, and a response time of <2?min. The operational lifetime is up to 3?months without significant deviation in normal function.

Biocompatible and label-free amperometric immunosensor for hepatitis B surface antigen using a sensing film composed of poly(allylamine)-branched ferrocene and gold nanoparticles

An amperometric immunosensor has been developed for sensitive determination of hepatitis B surface antigen as a model protein. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with an assembly of positively charged poly(allylamine)-branched ferrocene (PAA-Fc) and negatively charged gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The formation of PAA-Fc effectively avoids the leakage of Fc, retains its electrochemical activity, and enhances the conductivity of the composite. The adsorption of Au NPs onto the PAA-Fc matrix provides sites for the immobilization of the antigen and a favorable micro-environment to maintain its activity. The morphologies and electrochemistry of the sensing film were investigated via scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor were studied in detail. The concentration of the antigen can be quantitated (by measuring the decrease of the amperometric response resulting from the specific binding between antigen and antibody) in the range between 0.1 and 150?ng?mL^?C1, with a detection limit of 40?pg?mL^?C1 (S/N = 3). The method is economical, efficient, and potentially attractive for clinical immunoassays.

Double layer enzyme modified carbon nanotubes as label for sandwich-type immunoassay of tumor markers

An immunosensor was prepared for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). It is based on the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) along with horseradish peroxidase-labeled antibody. The enzyme was assembled onto MWCNTs templates using the layer-by-layer technique and then conjugated to carcinoembryonic secondary antibodies (Ab₂) as the enzyme label. The resulting assembly results in a largely amplified sensitivity. The response is linear in the range of 0.05 to 45?ng?mL^-1, with a detection limit of 16.0?pg?mL^-1. The immunosensor possesses good stability and good reproducibility.

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.

Determination of cadmium(II) using glassy carbon electrodes modified with cupferron, ß-naphthol, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We report on a simple and reliable method for the determination of trace cadmium ion using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with cupferron, ß-naphthol and MWCNTs. The operational mechanism consists of several steps: first, the ligand cupferron on the modified electrode reacts with Cd²⁺ ion to form a chelate compound. Next, this chelate is adsorbed by the carrier ß-naphthol following the principle of organic co-precipitation. Finally, the coprecipitated complex is detected by the GCE. This scheme is interesting because it combines preconcentration and electrochemical detection. Two linear responses are obtained, one in the concentration range of 5.0?×?10^?11 to 1.6?×?10^?8 M, the other in the range of 1.6?×?10^?8 to 1.42?×?10^?6 M, with a lower detection limit of 1.6?×?10^?11 M. This modified GCE does not suffer from significant interferences by Cu(II), Hg(II), Ag(I), Fe(III), Pb(II), Cr(III), Zn(II), NO^3?, Cl^?, SO ₄ ^2? ions and EDTA. The response of the electrode remained constant for at least 3 weeks of successive operation. The method presented here provides a new way for the simultaneous separation, enrichment, and electrochemical detection of trace cadmium ion.

Electrochemical synthesis of a novel platinum nanostructure on a glassy carbon electrode, and its application to the electrooxidation of methanol

We show that the addition of white dextrin during the electrochemical deposition of platinum nanostructures (nano-Pt) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) results in an electrochemically active surface that is much larger than that of platinum microparticles prepared by the same procedure but in the absence of dextrin. The nano-Pt deposits are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. The SEM images reveal deposits composed of mainly nanoparticles and short nanorods. The GCE was applied as a novel and cost-effective catalyst for methanol oxidation. The use of nano-Pt improves the electrocatalytic activity and the stability of the electrodes.

Bismuth and Bismuth-Chitosan modified electrodes for determination of two synthetic food colorants by net analyte signal standard addition method

In this paper, an electrochemical application of bismuth film modified glassy carbon electrode for azo-colorants determination was investigated. Bismuth-film electrode (BiFE) was prepared by ex-situ depositing of bismuth onto glassy carbon electrode. The plating potential was ?0.78 V (vs. SCE) in a solution of 0.15 mg mL^?1 Bi(III) and 0.05 mg mL^?1 KBr for 180 s. In the next step, a thin film of chitosan was deposited on the surface of bismuth modified glassy carbon electrode, thus the bismuth-chitosan thin film modified glassy carbon electrode (Bi-CHIT/GCE) was fabricated and compared with bare GCE and bismuth modified GCE. Azo-colorants such as Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine were determined on these electrodes by differential pulse voltammetry. Due to overlapping peaks of Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine, simultaneous determination of them is not possible, so net analyte signal standard addition method (NASSAM) was used for this determination. The results showed that coated chitosan can enhance the bismuth film sensitivity, improve the mechanical stability without caused contamination of surface electrode. The Bi-CHIT/GC electrode behaved linearly to Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine in the concentration range of 5×10^?6 to 2.38×10^?4 M and 1×10^?6 to 0.41×10^?4 M with a detection limit of 10 µM (4.52 µg mL^?1) and 10 µM (5.47 µg mL^?1), respectively      

Nonenzymatic sensor for glucose based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles grown on a film of molybdenum sulfide

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with nickel(II) hydroxide nanoparticles and a film of molybdenum sulfide. The nanocomposite was prepared by two-step electrodeposition. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the nanoparticles are uniformly deposited on the film. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry indicate that this modified GCE displays a remarkable electrocatalytic activity towards nonenzymatic oxidation of glucose. Response is linear in the 10–1,300 μM concentration range (R ² ?=?0.9987), the detection limit is very low (5.8 μM), response is rapid (< 2 s), and selectivity over ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, fructose and galactose is very good.

Amperometric nonenzymatic determination of glucose based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with nickel(II) oxides and graphene

We have developed a stable and sensitive nonenzymatic glucose sensor by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with a composite incorporating nickel(II) oxides and reduced graphene. The oxides were generated by directly electrodepositing nickel on the GCE with a graphene modifier using a multi-potential pulse process, and then oxidizing nickel to nickel(II) oxides by potential cycling. In comparison to the conventional nickel(II) oxides-modified GCE, this new nickel(II) oxides-graphene modified GCE (NiO-GR/GCE) has an about 1.5 times larger current response toward the nonenzymatic oxidation of glucose in alkaline media. The response to glucose is linear in the 20 μM to 4.5 mM concentration range. The limit of detection is 5 μM (at a S/N of 3), and the response time is very short (<3 s). Other beneficial features include selectivity, reproducibility and stability. A comparison was performed on the determination of glucose in commercial red wines by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and revealed the promising aspects of this sensor with respect to the determination of glucose in real samples.