Nafion/Poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) Mixed Coating Modified Bismuth Film Electrode for the Determination of Trace Metals by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

To improve the reproducibility, stability, and sensitivity of bismuth film electrode (BiFE), we studied the performances of a mixed coating of two cation‐exchange polymers, Nafion (NA) and poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS), modified glassy carbon BiFE (GC/NA‐PSS/BiFE). The characteristics of GC/NA‐PSS/BiFE were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Various parameters were studied in terms of their effect on the anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) signals. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection were 71 ng L^?1 for Cd(II) and 93 ng L^?1 for Pb(II) with a 10 min preconcentration. The results exhibited that GC/NA‐PSS/BiFE can be a reproducible and robust tool for monitor of trace metals by ASV rapidly and environmentally friendly, even in the presence of surface‐active compounds.     

Cathodic Electrochemical Detection of Nitrophenols at a Bismuth Film Electrode for Use in Flow Analysis

The bismuth film electrode (BiFE) is presented for use in both batch voltammetric and flow injection (FI) amperometric detection of some nitrophenols (2‐nitrophenol, 2‐NP; 4‐nitrophenol, 4‐NP; 2,4‐dinitrophenol, 2,4‐DNP). The bismuth film was deposited ex situ (batch measurements) and in‐line (FI) onto a glassy carbon substrate electrode. Batch analysis of the nitrophenols was carried out in 0.04 M Britton Robinson (BR) buffer pH 4, while for FI measurements, a carrier/electrolyte solution composed of 0.1 M BR buffer pH 4 mixed with methanol (20+80, v/v%) was employed to resemble media used in preconcentration/clean‐up and flow separation sample pretreatment procedures. Under batch conditions, the voltammetric behavior of the nitrophenols was examined for dependence on medium pH in the range of 2 to 10. Employing the square‐wave voltammetry mode, the limits of detection were 0.4 μg L^?1, 1.4 μg L^?1, and 3.3 μg L^?1 for 2‐NP, 4‐NP, and 2,4‐DNP, respectively. Under flow conditions, a simple in‐line electrochemical bismuth film renewal procedure was tested and shown to provide very good inter‐ and intra‐electrode reproducibility of the current signals at low μg L^?1 analyte concentrations. The limits of detection for 2‐NP, 4‐NP and 2,4‐DNP obtained using FI and amperometric detection at ?1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) were 0.3 μg L^?1, 0.6 μg L^?1 and 0.7 μg L^?1, respectively, with linear ranges extending up to 20 μg L^?1. The attractive performance of the BiFE under flow analysis conditions offers great promise with respect to its detection capability and to its use for a prolonged period of time with no need for inconvenient removal of the electrode from the system for mechanical surface treatment.     

Simultaneous Determination of Cadmium,Lead, Copper,and Thallium in Highly Saline Samples by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) Using Mercury‐Film and Bismuth‐Film Electrodes

This paper describes a comparative study of the simultaneous determination of Cd(II), Pb(II), Tl(I), and Cu(II) in highly saline samples (seawater, hydrothermal fluids, and dialysis concentrates) by ASV using the mercury‐film electrode (MFE) and the bismuth‐film electrode (BiFE) as working electrodes. The features of MFE and BiFE as working electrodes for the single‐run ASV determinations are shown and their performances are compared with that of HMDE under similar conditions. It was observed that the stripping peak of Tl(I) was well separated from Cd(II) and Pb(II) peaks in all the studied saline samples when MFE was used. Because of the severe overlapping of Bi(III) and Cu(II) stripping peaks in the ASV using BiFE, as well as the overlapping of Pb(II) and Tl(I) stripping peaks in the ASV using HMDE, the simultaneous determination of these metals was not possible in highly saline medium using these both working electrodes. The detection limits calculated for the metals using MFE and BiFE (deposition time of 60 s) were between 0.043 and 0.070 μg L^?1 for Cd(II), between 0.060 and 0.10 μg L^?1 for Pb(II) and between 0.70 and 8.12 μg L^?1 for Tl(I) in the saline samples studied. The detection limits calculated for Cu(II) using the MFE were 0.15 and 0.50 μg L^?1 in seawater/hydrothermal fluid and dialysis concentrate samples, respectively. The methods were applied to the simultaneous determination of Cd(II), Pb(II), Tl(I), and Cu(II) in samples of seawater, hydrothermal fluids and dialysis concentrates.     

Determination of trace Pb(Ⅱ), Cd(Ⅱ) and Zn(Ⅱ) using differential pulse stripping voltammetry without Hg modification

In this work,we reported a simultaneous determination approach for Pb(II),Cd(II)and Zn(II)atμg L 1concentration levels using differential pulse stripping voltammetry on a bismuth film electrode(BiFE).The BiFE could be prepared in situ when the sample solution contained a suitable amount of Bi(NO)3,and its analytical performance was evaluated for the simultaneous determination of Pb(II),Cd(II)and Zn(II)in solutions.The determination limits were found to be 0.19μg L 1for Zn(II),and0.28μg L 1for Pb(II)and Cd(II),with a preconcentration time of 300 s.The BiFE approach was successfully applied to determine Pb(II),Cd(II)and Zn(II)in tea leaf and infusion samples,and the results were in agreement with those obtained using an atomic absorption spectrometry approach.Without Hg usage,the in situ preparation for BiFE supplied a green and acceptability sensitive method for the determination of the heavy metal ions.     

Determination of Atrazine in Natural Water Samples by Differential Pulse Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry Using a Bismuth Film Electrode

A new method using differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry for the determination of atrazine (ATZ) in natural water samples using a bismuth film electrode (BiFE) is proposed. The calibration curve was linear in the atrazine concentration range from 6.7×10^?7 to 2.0×10^?5 mol L^?1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.4×10^?7 mol L^?1. The proposed electrode was applied for atrazine determination with satisfactory results compared with a high‐performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC).     

Performance of Ex Situ Bismuth Film Rotating Disk Electrode in Trace Metal Analysis by Stripping Chronopotentiometry: Definition of the Depletion Regime and Optimization of Experimental Parameters

The potentiality of the ex situ deposited bismuth film electrode, allied to the rotation of a glassy carbon disk electrode (BiFE‐RDE), was exploited in trace metal analyses of lead(II) and cadmium(II) by stripping chronopotentiometry (SCP). A single BiFE (6.2 nm film thickness) can be used for a 1‐day term with no significant variation in the analytical signal. The limit of detection (3σ) for a deposition time of 40 s and an oxidation current of 15×10^?9 A was 1.5×10^?8 M for Pb(II) and 3.0×10^?8 M for Cd(II). BiFE‐RDE was successfully applied to the direct SCP determination of lead(II) in a fresh water certified material.     

Square-Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (SWASV) for the Determination of Ecotoxic Metals,Using a Bismuth-Film Electrode

This article reviews the use of square wave anodic stripping voltammetry for the simultaneous determination of ecotoxic metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn) on a bismuth-film (BiFE) electrode. The BiFE was prepared in situ on a glassy-carbon electrode (GCE) from the 0.1 mol L^?1 acetate buffer solution (pH 4.5) containing 200 µg L^?1 of bismuth (III). The addition of hydrogen peroxide to the electroanalytical cell proved beneficial for the interference-free determination of Cu (II) together with zinc, lead, and cadmium, using the BiFE. The experimental variables were investigated and optimized with the view to apply this type of voltammetric sensor to real samples containing traces of these metals. The performance characteristics, such as reproducibility, decision limit (CC_a), detection capability (CC_β), sensitivity, and accuracy indicated that the method holds promise for trace Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Zn²⁺ levels by employment of Hg-free GCE with SWASV. CCa, and CCβ were calculated according to the Commission Decision of 12 August 2002 (2002/657/EC). Linearity was observed in the range 20–280 µg L^?1 for zinc, 10–100 µg L^?1 for lead, 10–80 µg L^?1 for copper, and 5–50 µg L^?1 for cadmium. Using the optimized conditions, the stripping performance of the BiFE was characterized by low limits of detection (LOD). Finally, the method was successfully applied in real as well as in certified reference water samples.     

Combining Alkaline Extraction and in Situ Plated Bismuth Film for Reliable Quantification of Zn in Multivitamin Formulations

In this work a bismuth film electrode (BiFE) plated in situ onto glassy carbon was used to quantify Zn²⁺ in multivitamin formulation samples by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. For partially water‐soluble multivitamin tablets, an alkaline extraction with 1.0 mol L^?1 NaOH aqueous solution was adopted. This procedure was simple, fast and efficient to extracting Zn from sample matrix. Moreover, this procedure was able to make the method less susceptible to interferences from Cu²⁺, since it remains at extracting vessel as insoluble Cu(OH)₂. For fully water‐soluble effervescent tablets, sample pretreatment was not required.     

Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Trace Uranium with a Bismuth‐Film Electrode Based on the U(VI)→U(V) Reduction Step of the Uranium‐Cupferron Complex

This work reports the use of adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) for the determination of uranium on a preplated rotating‐disk bismuth‐film electrode (BiFE). The principle of the method relied on the complexation of U(VI) ions with cupferron and the subsequent adsorptive accumulation of the complex on the surface of the BiFE. The uranium in the accumulated complex was then reduced by means of a cathodic voltammetric scan while the analytically useful U(VI)→U(V) reduction signal was monitored. The experimental variables as well as potential interferences were investigated and the figures of merit of the method were established. Using the selected conditions, the 3σ limit of detection for uranium was 0.1 μg L^?1 at a preconcentration time of 480 s and the relative standard deviation was 4.7% at the 5 μg L^?1 level for a preconcentration time of 120 s (n=8). The accuracy of the method was established by analyzing a reference sea water sample.     

Poly(Taurine‐Glutathione)/Carbon Nanotube Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode as a New Levofloxacin Sensor

A new highly sensitive and selective electrochemical levofloxacin sensor based on co‐polymer‐carbon nanotube composite electrode was developed. Taurine and Glutathione were electrochemically co‐polymerized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode (Poly(TAU‐GSH)/CNT/GCE) and used as a levofloxacin sensor in pH 6 phosphate buffer solution. The new composite electrode surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Under the optimized conditions, two linear segments were obtained for increasing LEV concentrations between 20 nmol L^?1‐1 μmol L^?1 and 1.5 μmol L^?1‐55 μmol L^?1 LEV with a detection limit of 9 nmol L^?1 using amperometry. Poly(TAU‐GSH)/CNT/GCE exhibited high sensitivity, selectivity with good stability. The new sensor was employed for real samples of LEV tablets and urine. Promising results were obtained with good accuracy which were also in accordance with LC‐MS/MS analysis.     

Application of Polymer‐Modified Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode in the Indirect Determination of Certain β‐Lactam Antibiotics by Differential Pulse,Ion‐Exchange Voltammetry

A selective and sensitive polymer‐modified electrode was developed for β‐lactam antibiotics (cefaclor, amoxycillin and ampicillin) present in formulated and blood plasma samples for the quantitative analysis in aqueous environment. The detection was made using an ion‐exchange voltammetric technique, in differential pulse mode, on poly(N‐chloranil N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylene diammonium dichloride)‐modified hanging mercury drop electrode of a three‐electrode system (PAR Model 303A) attached with a Polarographic Analyzer/Stripping Voltammeter (PAR Model 264A). Antibiotics, which are electroinactive compounds, were essentially converted to their electroactive oxazolone analogues through acid treatment under drastic conditions (0.1 mol L^?1 HCl, ～85 °C, 2 h). These analytes in the form of their respective oxazolones were indirectly analyzed by oxazolone entrapment in the polymeric film through ion‐exchange process at modified electrode surface (accumulation potential ?0.20 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), accumulation time 120 s, pH 7.4, KH₂PO₄‐NaOH buffer (ionic strength 0.1 mol L^?1), scan rate 10 mV s^?1, pulse amplitude 25 mV). The limit of detection of cefaclor‐derived oxazolone was found to be 2.12 nmol L^?1 (0.82 ppb, S/N 3, RSD 3.21%) in terms of cefaclor (a representative β‐lactam) concentration.     

Determination of Trace Lead and Cadmium in Water Samples by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry with a Nafion‐Ionic Liquid‐Coated Bismuth Film Electrode

A new chemically modified bismuth film electrode coated with an ionic liquid [(1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate (EMIM TCB)] and Nafion was developed for the simultaneous determination Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ by anodic stripping voltammetry. Compared with conventional bismuth film electrodes, this electrode exhibited greatly improved electrochemical activity for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ detection due to the unique properties of Nafion polymer and ionic liquid. The key experimental parameters related to the fabrication of the electrode and the voltammetric measurements were optimized on the basis of the stripping signals, where the peak currents increased linearly with the metal concentrations in a range of 10–120 µg L^?1 with a detect limit of 0.2 µg L^?1 for Pb²⁺, and 0.5 µg L^?1 for Cd²⁺ for 120s deposition. High reproducibility was indicated from the relative standard deviations (1.9 and 2.5 %) for nine repetitive measurements of 20 µg L^?1 Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺, respectively. In addition, the surface characteristics of the modified BiFE were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and results showed that fibril‐like bismuth nanostructures were formed on the porous Nafion polymer matrix. Finally, the developed electrode was applied to determine Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in water samples, indicating that this electrode was sensitive, reliable and effective for the simultaneous determination of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺.     

Alternating Layers of Iron(III) Tetra(N‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl)‐porphyrin and Copper Tetrasulfonated Phthalocyanine for Amperometric Detection of 4‐Nitrophenol in Nanomolar Levels

The present work describes the development of a highly sensitive amperometric sensor for 4‐NP in nanomolar levels using a glassy carbon electrode modified with alternating layers of CuTSPc and FeT4MPyP. After optimizing the operational conditions, the sensor provided a linear response range for 4‐NP from 5 up to 100 nmol L^?1 with sensitivity, detection, and quantification limits of 14 nA L nmol^?1, 1.9 nmol L^?1, and 5.4 nmol L^?1, respectively. The proposed sensor showed a stable response for at least 200 successive determinations. This modified electrode can be used to the determination of 4‐NP in water samples.     

Sensitive Voltammetric Determination of Bisphenol A Based on a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Copper Oxide‐Zinc Oxide Decorated on Graphene Oxide

A highly sensitive and selective chemical sensor was prepared based on metallic copper‐copper oxides and zinc oxide decorated graphene oxide modified glassy carbon electrode (Cu?Zn/GO/GCE) through an easily electrochemical method for the quantification of bisphenol A (BPA). The composite electrode was characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrochemical behavior of BPA in Britton‐Robinson (BR) buffer solution (pH 7.1) was examined using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Under optimized conditions, the square wave voltammetry (SWV) response of Cu?Zn/GO/GCE towards BPA indicates two linear relationships within concentrations (3.0 nmol L^?1?0.1 μmol L^?1 and 0.35 μmol L^?1?20.0 μmol L^?) and has a low detection limit (0.88 nmol L^?1). The proposed electrochemical sensor based on Cu?Zn/GO/GCE is both time and cost effective, has good reproducibility, high selectivity as well as stability for BPA determination. The developed composite electrode was used to detect BPA in various samples including baby feeding bottle, pacifier, water bottle and food storage container and satisfactory results were obtained with high recoveries.     

Sequential Voltammetric Determination of Uranium,Cadmium and Lead by Using the ex situ Bismuth Film Electrode: Application to Phosphate Fertilizers

A sequential voltammetric procedure for the determination of uranium, cadmium and lead was investigated at an ex situ bismuth film electrode (BiFE). First, the adsorptive stripping voltammetry was applied to assay the U(VI)‐cupferron complex in the differential pulse mode (detection limit of 1.0 µg L^?1, 200 s accumulation time). Through the manipulation of the same aliquot of the sample, efforts were made to quantify cadmium and lead by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Detection limits of 2.03 µg L^?1 for Cd (II) and 2.43 µg L^?1 for Pb (II) were calculated (100 s accumulation time). The methodology was successfully applied to phosphate fertilizer samples after open vessel wet decomposition (HNO₃/H₂O₂). The following value ranges were evaluated: U (VI) 37.2–150 mg kg^?1, Pb (II) 78.3–204 mg kg^?1 and Cd (II) 44.1–71.6 mg kg^?1. Validation was performed by using the standard reference materials SRM‐695 – phosphate fertilizer – and SRM‐1643e – water.     

Graphene Quantum Dots Modified Screen‐printed Electrodes as Electroanalytical Sensing Platform for Diethylstilbestrol

In present work a simple methodology for electroanalytical sensing of diethylstilbestrol (DES) using graphene quantum dots (GQD) surface modified screen‐printed electrodes (SPE) is reported. GQD was synthesized by simple bottom‐up method based on citric acid pyrolysis at 200 °C and electrodeposited directly at electrode surface under cyclic voltammetric conditions. The obtained GQD presented an average diameter of 7 nm and was characterized by techniques such as transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The proposed sensor exhibits a linear response from 0.05 to 7.5 μmol L^?1, with limit of detection and quantification of 8.8 nmol L^?1 and 29.0 nmol L^?1, respectively. The repeatability study presented RSD=3.6 % for 6 consecutive measurements using the same electrode surface and the reproducibility study showed RSD=6.6 % for measurements with 6 different electrode surfaces. The proposed sensor was successfully applied for DES determination in synthetic urine and tap water spiked samples and good recoveries were obtained without any sample pre‐treatment, showing its promising analytical performance.     

Amplified Electrochemical Response of Phenol by Oxygenation of Tyrosinase Coupling with Electrochemical‐chemical‐chemical Redox Cycle

In this work, an novel electrochemical‐chemical‐chemical (ECC) redox cycle was designed in an enzyme‐based sensor for acquiring additional signal amplification. The tyrosinase (Tyr) was entrapped in a sulfonated polyaniline?chitosan (SPAN?CS) composite which was used as a redox capacitor on a glass carbon electrode. Firstly, the substrate, phenol was catalyzed to catechol and further catalyzed to o‐benzoquinone by Tyr. Next, in the presence of Ru(NH₃)₆Cl₂, the reduced state of SPAN(SPAN_red) was reacted with o‐benzoquinone to form it's oxidized state (SPAN_ox) and catechol, then SPAN_ox was reduced back to SPAN_red by Ru(II) in the solution. Finally, the amplified anodic current of catechol was obtained on electrode through above ECC redox cycle system. In addition, the ECC redox cycling led to a high signal‐to‐background ratio. The voltammetric response showed excellent analytical performance to phenol over two linear range of 3.5 to 200.0 nmol L^?1 and 200.0 to 2000.0 nmol L^?1 with a high sensitivity of 2204 μA mM^?1. The detection limit was obtained to be 0.8 nmol L^?1 (S/N=3). Furthermore, the proposed approach exhibited good repeatability, stability and specificity, and could offer practicality in the detection of phenol in tap water.     

Determination of Trace Tl(I) by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry on Novel Disposable Microfabricated Bismuth‐Film Sensors

This work reports the trace determination of Tl(I) by square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) on novel microsensors equipped with a bismuth‐film electrode (BiFE). The sensors were fabricated by a multistep microfabrication approach combining sputtering (to deposit the electrode materialm, bismuth‐ and the insulator SiO₂, on the surface of a silicon wafer) and photolithography (to define the geometry of the sensor). The effect of the preconcentration time, the preconcentration potential and the SW stripping parameters were investigated. Using the selected conditions, the 3σ limit of detection was 0.6 µg L^?1 of Tl(I) at a preconcentration time of 240 s and the percent relative standard deviation was 4.3 % at the 10 µg L^?1 level (n=8). In order to eliminate the interference caused by Pb(II) and Cd(II), EDTA was added in the sample solution The method was successfully applied to the determination of Tl(I) in a certified lake water sample. These new sensors exhibit excellent mechanical stability and offer wide scope as mercury‐free disposable sensors for trace metal analysis.     

Determination of Labile Iron at Low nmol L−1 Levels in Estuarine and Coastal Waters by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

A new method is presented for the determination of electrochemically labile iron in estuarine and coastal seawater. The method is based on differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) at a rotating silver‐alloy disk electrode. The voltammetric parameters include a plating potential of ?1.5 V and an activation potential of ?5 V for 10s; the seawater is at the original sample pH. The main finding is the presence of a peak for low nmol L^?1 levels of iron at ?0.55 V ascribed to elemental iron deposited on the bare silver alloy electrode. The peak increased linearly with the iron concentration between <1 and 14 nmol L^?1 using a 900 s plating time. At higher concentrations an additional iron peak appeared at ?0.7 V which was also found to increase linearly with the iron concentration but at a higher concentration range from ca. 15 to 90 nmol L^?1 using a 300 s plating time. The second peak was ascribed to iron deposited on iron. Additions of chelating agents (EDTA and a siderophore) to seawater caused the iron peak to be masked indicating that this method is suitable for iron speciation as only the electrochemically labile fraction is determined. The detection limit was 0.3 nmol L^?1 using a 900 s plating time. The method was used to determine iron in the range of 5 to 50 nmol L^?1 in samples from the Mersey estuary near Liverpool and its potential use for in situ monitoring was demonstrated by using it to monitor labile iron (at 2–3 nmol L^?1) over a period of 4 days at 1 h intervals in coastal waters in the Trondheim fjord, Norway.     

Trace Level Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide at a Carbon Ceramic Electrode Modified with Copper Oxide Nanostructures

An electrochemical sensor was developed for determination of hydrogen peroxide based on nanocopper oxides modified carbon sol‐gel or carbon ceramic electrode (CCE). The modified electrode was prepared by electrodeposition of metallic copper on the CCE surface and derivatized in situ to copper oxides nanostructures and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The modified electrode responded linearly to the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration over the range 0.78–193.98 µmol L^?1 with a detection limit of 71 nmol L^?1 (S/N=3) and the sensitivity of 0.697 A mol^?1 L cm^?2. This electrode was used as selective amperometric sensor for determination of H₂O₂ contents in hair coloring creams.