A reactive electrode (reactrode) for the voltammetric determination of heavy metals in laboratories and for use as a passive monitor in remote analysis

The use of a reactive electrode (reactrode) consisting of graphite, a solid ion exchanger (HYPHAN) and paraffin for the batch analysis of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in aqueous samples and as a passive monitor for these metal ions is described. The metal ions are accumulated on the reactrode surface at an open-circuit potential in an ion-exchange reaction. After the accumulation, the ion exchanger-bonded metal ions are reduced to the metals which remain on the electrode surface. In a following step, the metals are anodically dissolved which is recorded by differential-pulse voltammetry. The 3s detection limits for the analysis of drinking water are: 1.1×10^-7 mol/l for Pb²⁺, 5×10^-8 mol/l for Hg²⁺ and 2.4×10^-7 mol/l for Cu²⁺.The reactrode developed can be used for the passive monitoring of heavy metals in aqueous streams if the reactrode is mounted in a wall-jet cell which is part of a flow-through system. Using this arrangement, it has been possible to determine Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in drinking water after 20 hours of accumulation.     

A Prussian blue-based flow-through renewable surface optosensor for analysis of ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid is determined by a simple Bead Injection Spectroscopy–Flow Injection Analysis (BIS–FIA) system with spectrophotometric detection. The sensor is based on the decrease of absorbance obtained (720 nm) when Prussian blue (PB) is reduced by ascorbic acid. Commercial available flow-cell (Hellma 138-OS) is used and an appropriate volume of homogeneous bead suspension of Sephadex QAE A-25 was injected to fill this flow-cell for each measurement. The chromogenic reagent (PB) is injected into the carrier and immobilized on beads. When sample is injected, reaching the bead surface where PB is sorbed, ascorbic acid converts it to Prussian white form, which is transparent, producing the discoloration of the detection zone. At the end of the analysis, beads are discarded by reversing the flow and instantaneously transported out of the system.The calibration graph was linear over the range 5.1×10⁻⁶–6.8×10⁻⁵ M. The detection limit and RSD (%) were 4.5×10⁻⁷ M and 5.0%, respectively, using 800 μl of sample volume. This method is highly selective in the presence of other species that are normally encountered with the analyte. The sensor was applied satisfactorily to the determination ascorbic acid in fruit juices, pharmaceuticals, sweets and conservative liquids.     

A calixarene-based ion-selective electrode for thallium(I) detection

Three new calixarene Tl⁺ ionophores have been utilized in Tl⁺ ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) yielding Nernstian response in the concentration range of 10⁻²–10⁻⁶ M TlNO₃ with a non-optimized filling solution in a conventional liquid contact ISE configuration. The complex formation constants (log β_IL) for two of the calixarene derivatives with thallium(I) (i.e. 6.44 and 5.85) were measured using the sandwich membrane technique, with the other ionophore immeasurable due to eventual precipitation of the ionophore during these long-term experiments. Furthermore, the unbiased selectivity coefficients for these ionophores displayed excellent selectivity against Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Al³⁺ with moderate selectivity against Pb²⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, H⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺ and Cs⁺, noting that silver was the only significant interferent with these calixarene-based ionophores. When optimizing the filling solution in a liquid contact ISE, it was possible to achieve a lower limit of detection of approximately 8 nM according to the IUPAC definition. Last, the new ionophores were also evaluated in four solid-contact (SC) designs leading to Nernstian response, with the best response noted with a SC electrode utilizing a gold substrate, a poly(3-octylthiophene) (POT) ion-to-electron transducer and a poly(methyl methacrylate)–poly(decyl methacrylate) (PMMA–PDMA) co-polymer membrane. This electrode exhibited a slope of 58.4 mV decade⁻¹ and a lower detection limit of 30.2 nM. Due to the presence of an undesirable water layer and/or leaching of redox mediator from the graphite redox buffered SC, a coated wire electrode on gold and graphite redox buffered SC yielded grossly inferior detection limits against the polypyrrole/PVC SC and POT/PMMA–PDMA SC ISEs that did not display signs of a water layer or leaching of SC ingredients into the membrane.     

A mercury-free electrochemical sensor for the determination of thallium(I) based on the rotating-disc bismuth film electrode

A bismuth film electrode was tested and proposed as an environmentally friendly sensor for the determination of trace levels of Tl(I) in non-deoxygenated solutions. Determination of thallium was made by anodic stripping voltammetry at a rotating-disc bismuth film electrode plated in situ, using acetate buffer as the supporting electrolyte. The stripping step was carried out by a square wave potential-time excitation signal. A univariate optimisation study was performed with several experimental parameters as variables. Under the selected optimised conditions, a linear calibration plot was obtained in the submicromolar concentration range, allowing the electrochemical determination of thallium in trace amounts; the calculated detection limit was 10.8 nM and the relative standard deviation for 15 measurements of 0.1 μM Tl(I) was ±0.2%, for a 120 s accumulation time. Interference of other metals on the response of Tl(I) was investigated. Application to real environmental samples was tested. The bismuth film electrode appears to be a promising tool for electroanalytical purposes, ensuring the use of clean methodology.     

Voltammetric determination of thallium(I) at a mechanically renewed Bi-graphite electrode

A composite of high-purity grade carbon powder and an epoxy resin is used to in situ obtain a bismuth-film electrode. The surface of the indicator electrode is renewed by cutting a thin surface layer before each determination. The in situ obtained Bi-film electrode is virtually no different from an Hg-film electrode in sensitivity, reproducibility, and the ability to separate signals from Tl, Cd, and Pb. The calibration graph is linear in the range of thallium concentrations from 0.01 to 1 mg/L (RSD varies from 4 to 2%). A significant excess of Pb(II), Sn(II), and Cd(II) does not interfere with the determination of thallium. A procedure for determining down to 5 × 10^?6% thallium in lithium carbonate is developed.     

Ion-selective electrode for the determination of dimethylbenzylammonium ions

A sensor is proposed for the direct potentiometric determination of dimethylbenzylammonium in acid and neutral aqueous solutions. The sensor membrane is made of a polymeric composition on the basis of polyvinylchloride containing an ion associate and a solvent as a plasticizer. Salts of the tetraphenylborate anion and its derivatives served as ionophores. Basic electroanalytical parameters of the developed potentiometric sensors are studied and the pH range of their possible application is determined. The developed sensor is used as a reference electrode in the potentiometric titration of dimethylbenzylammonium with tetraphenylborate anions.     

The gravimetric determination of thallium(i) as thallium(i) tetraphenylboron

A gravimetric method for the determination of thallium(I) as thallium(I) tetraphenylboron has been developed. The method compares favorably with the classical chromate method. The effect of acid concentration and interference by other metal ions was studied as well as the thermal stability of the precipitate.     

铊(I)离子选择电极动力学分析法测定超痕量铁

Fe(II) induces the reaction between Tl3+ and H2O2. The rate of reaction is linearly proportional to the concentration of Fe2+ in the range 2.5 ?10-9-2.5 ?10-8 mol dm-3 (20? and 5 ?10-9-5 ?10-8 mol dm-3 (15?. The standard deviation is less than 0.071 ?10-8. A 1000-fold excess of Zn2+, Cd2+, Mg2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Ba2+, Ca2+, Li+, Na+, Ag+, NO3-, SO42-, AcO-, HPO42-, 500-fold excess of Al3+, Fe3+, Co2+, Hg2+ and 100-fold excess of Ti4+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Br-, Cl- can be tolerated, but reducing agents such as (NH2)2SO4, NH2OH.HCl interfered. This kinetic method was applied to determine Fe(II) in standard zinc sample and fountain water, with satisfactory results.     

Cerimetric determination of thallium (I)

Summary The cerimetric determination of thallium(I) has been reinvestigated. A new procedure for the potentiometric titration of thallium(I) with ceric sulphate at the room temperature and at a low concentration of hydrochloric acid (1.0 N) has been developed using iodine monochloride as catalyst.The authors wish to express their grateful thanks to the Ministry of Education, Government of India, for the award of a Research Scholarship and the authorities of the Andhra University for providing research facilities.     

Ion imprinted polymer based ion-selective electrode for the trace determination of dysprosium(III) ions

Ion-selective electrode (ISE) was designed by dispersing the dysprosium(III) IIP particles in 2-nitrophenyloctyl ether plasticizer and then embedded in polyvinyl chloride matrix. The ISE shows a Nernstian response for dysprosium(III) over a wide concentration range (8.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M) with a slope of 21.7 mV per decade. The limit of detection was 2 × 10⁻⁶ M. This sensor has a very fast response time (∼10 s) and offers high selectivity compared to conventional chemical sensors towards dysprosium(III) with respect to several alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal ions as the selectivity is 10-100-fold better. The sensor was used for determination of dysprosium(III) ions by potentiometric (EDTA) titration and has been successfully demonstrated for the determination of fluoride in mouth wash solution.     

Dichrometric determination of thallium (I)

Summary A dichrometric procedure has now been developed for the direct volumetric titration of thallium(I), to an iodine monochloride end point. The concentration of the hydrochloric acid must be at least 7.5 N at the end point.     

Zirconium(IV) phosphosulphosalicylate-based ion selective membrane electrode for potentiometric determination of Pb(II) ions

Zirconium(IV) phosphosulphosalicylate, a cation exchanger was synthesized by mixing zirconium oxychloride to a mixture of 5-sulphosalicylic acid and phosphoric acid. The material showed good efficiency for the preparation of an ion-selective membrane electrode. The membrane was characterized affinity for Pb(II) ions. Due to its Pb(II) selective nature, the ion-exchanger was used as an electroactive by XRD and SEM analysis. The electrode responds to Pb(II) ions in a linear range from 1 × 10⁻⁵ to 1 × 10⁻¹ M with a slope of 43.8 mV per decade change in concentration with detection limit of 4.78 × 10⁻⁶ M. The life span of electrode was found to be 90 days. The proposed electrode showed satisfactory performance over a pH range of 4.0–6.5, with a fast response time of 15 s. The sensor has been applied to the determination of Pb(II) ions in water samples of different origins. It has also been used as indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of Pb(II) ion with EDTA.     

A polystyrene based membrane electrode for cadmium(II) ions

A polystyrene based membrane of 3,4:12,13-dibenzo-2,5,11,14-tetraoxo- 1,6,10,15-tetraazacyclooctade-cane shows a Nernstian response to Cd(II) ions over a wide concentration range (3.16 x 10(-6) - 1.00 x 10(-1) mol L(-1) with a Nernstian slope of 29.8 mV/decade of concentration, between pH 2.0 and 6.0. This electrode has been found to be chemically inert and of adequate stability with a response time of 20s. The electrode gives reproducible results with a lifetime of 130 days. The membrane works satisfactorily in a partially non-aqueous medium up to a maximum 35% (v/v) content of methanol and ethanol. The practical utility of the proposed chemical sensor has been observed by using it as end-point indicator in the titration of Cd(II) ions with EDTA. The potentiometric selectivity coefficient values indicate that the membrane sensor is highly selective for Cd(II) ions over a number of cations. Small amounts of surfactants do not disturb the functioning of the sensor. This electrode has also been used to estimate cadmium ions in real samples.     

A novel tetrachlorothallate (III)-PVC membrane sensor for the potentiometric determination of thallium (III)

A novel tetrachlorothallate (III) (TCT)-selective membrane sensor consisting of tetrachlorothallate (III)-2,3,5-triphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium ion pair dispersed in a PVC matrix plasticized with dioctylphthalate is described. The electrode shows a stable, near-Nernstian response for 1×10⁻³-4×10⁻⁶ M thallium (III) at 25 °C with an anionic slope of 56.5±0.5 over the pH range 3-6. The lower detection limit and the response time are 2×10⁻⁶ M and 30-60 s, respectively. Selectivity coefficients for Tl(III) relative to a number of interfering substances were investigated. There is negligible interference from many cations and anions; however, iodide and bromide are significantly interfere. The determination of 0.5-200 μg ml⁻¹ of Tl(III) in aqueous solutions shows an average recovery of 99.0% and a mean relative standard deviation of 1.4% at 50.0 μg ml⁻¹. The direct determination of Tl(III) in spiked wastewater gave results that compare favorably with those obtained by the atomic absorption spectrometric method. The electrode was successfully applied for the determination of thallium in zinc concentrate. Also the tetrachlorothallate electrode has been utilized as an end point indicator electrode for the determination of thallium using potentiometric titration.     

Square-wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of thallium(I) at a Nafion/mercury film modified electrode

A Nafion/mercury film electrode (NMFE) was used for the determination of trace thallium(I) in aqueous solutions. Thallium(I) was preconcentrated onto the NMFE from the sample solution containing 0.01 M ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and determined by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). Various factors influencing the determination of thallium(I) were thoroughly investigated. This modified electrode exhibits good resistance to interferences from surface-active compounds. The presence of EDTA effectively eliminated the interferences from metal ions, such as lead(II) and cadmium(II), which are generally considered as the major interferents in the determination of thallium at a mercury electrode. With 2-min preconcentration, linear calibration graphs were obtained over the range 0.05-100 ppb of thallium(I). An even lower detection limit, 0.01 ppb, were achieved with 5-min accumulation. The electrode is easy to prepare and can be readily renewed after each stripping experiment. Applicability of this procedure to various water samples is illustrated.     

Sequential oxidimetric determination of thallium(I) and (III)

The reaction between thallium(III) and oxalic acid in sulphuric acid medium has been investigated. Spectrophotometric results show that thallium(III) can be quantitatively reduced to thallium(I) with oxalic acid in aqueous medium when heated to near boiling point. Conditions for the estimation of the excess of oxalic acid with cerium(IV) sulphate in the presence of thallium(I) and for the estimation of a mixture of thallium(I) and thallium(III) have been investigated. The method is simpler than many other redox methods reported for the determination of thallium(III) and is free from many interferences encountered in these titrations. The reagents are cheap and quite stable.     

Ultra-microdetermination of thallium ions and related toxic metals using a new modified electrode

Summary A new type of graphite electrode has been developed which is suitable for the determination of Thallium. The construction and preparation of this electrode consists of applying a spray of graphite layer on to a metallic substrate. The stability of the surface allows D. P. A. S. V. using a thin mercury film preformed or deposited in situ.Several applications have been applied to trace analysis. Thallium has been determined in biological fluids such as urine and saliva. Detection limits are 0.02 ppb in urine and 0.2 ppb in saliva. Simultaneous determination of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Thallium in rain-water samples has been realized in routine analysis.

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Ultra-Mikrobestimmung von Thalliumionen und anderen toxischen Metallen mit Hilfe einer modifizierten Elektrode

Zusammenfassung Eine neue, für die Thalliumbestimmung geeignete Graphit-Elektrode wurde entwickelt. Deren Herstellung erfordert die Anbringung einer Graphitschicht auf einer metallischen Grundlage. Die Stabilität der Oberfläche ermöglicht die Verwendung zur D. P. A. S. V. nach Anbringung eines dünnen Quecksilberfilms (ev. in situ). Die Verwendung erfolgte für verschiedene Spurenanalysen. Thallium wurde in biologischen Flüssigkeiten wie Harn und Speichel bestimmt. Die Erfassungsgrenze beträgt 0,02 ppb in Harn, 0,2 ppb in Speichel. Die gleichzeitige Bestimmung von Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu und Th in Regenwasser wurde durchgeführt.

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Presented at the 9th International Symposium on Microchemical Techniques, Amsterdam, August 28–September 2, 1983.