Determination of trace cobalt(II) by adsorptive stripping voltammetry on disposable microfabricated electrochemical cells with integrated planar metal-film electrodes

This work reports the determination of trace Co(II) by adsorptive stripping voltammetry on disposable three-electrode cells with on-chip metal-film electrodes. The heart of the sensors was a bismuth-film electrode (BiFE) with Ag and Pt planar strips serving as the reference and counter electrodes, respectively. Metals were deposited on a silicon chip by sputtering while the areas of the electrodes were patterned via a metal mask. Co(II) was determined by square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV) after complexation with dimethylglyoxime (DMG). The experimental variables (the DMG concentration, the preconcentration potential, the accumulation time and the SW parameters), as well as potential interferences, were investigated. Using the selected conditions, the 3σ limit of detection was 0.09 μg l⁻¹ of Co(II) (for 90 s of preconcentration) and the relative standard deviation for Co(II) was 3.8% at the 2 μg l⁻¹ level (n = 8). The method was applied to the determination of Co(II) in a certified river water sample. These mercury-free electrochemical devices present increased scope for field analysis and μ-TAS applications.     

Disposable mercury-free cell-on-a-chip devices with integrated microfabricated electrodes for the determination of trace nickel(II) by adsorptive stripping voltammetry

This work reports the fabrication of disposable three-electrode cells with integrated sputtered metal-film electrodes. The working electrode was a bismuth-film electrode (BiFE) while the reference and counter electrodes were made of Ag and Pt, respectively. The deposition of the metal layers was carried out by sputtering of the respective metals on a silicon substrate while the exact geometry of the electrodes was defined via a metal mask placed on the substrate during the deposition process. Initially, the electrodes were characterised by cyclic voltammetry. The utility of these devices was tested for the trace determination of Ni(II) by square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV) after complexation with dimethylglyoxime (DMG). The experimental variables (the presence of oxygen, the DMG concentration, the preconcentration potential, the accumulation time and the SW parameters), as well as potential interferences, were investigated. Using the selected conditions, the 3sigma limit of detection was 100 ng L(-1) for Ni(II) (for 90 s of preconcentration) and the relative standard deviation for Ni(II) was 2.3% at the 10 microg L(-1) level (n=8). Finally, the method was applied to the determination of Ni(II) in a certified river water sample.     

Novel disposable bismuth-sputtered electrodes for the determination of trace metals by stripping voltammetry

This work describes a novel type of bismuth electrode for stripping voltammetry based on coating a silicon substrate with a thin bismuth film by means of sputtering. The bismuth-based sensors were characterized by optical methods (scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD)) and as well as by linear sweep voltammetry. Subsequently, the electrodes were tested for the detection of low concentrations of trace metals (Cd(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II)) by stripping voltammetry. Well-formed stripping peaks were observed for trace concentrations of the target analytes demonstrating “proof-of-principle” for these sensors. This type of electrochemical device, utilizing thin-film technology for the formation of the bismuth film, holds promise for future applications in trace metal analysis.     

Bismuth film electrodes for adsorptive stripping voltammetry of trace nickel

Bismuth film electrodes are shown to be very attractive alternatives to common mercury electrodes used for adsorptive stripping voltammetric measurements of trace nickel in the presence of the dimethylglyoxime complexing agent. Variables affecting the response have been assessed and optimized. Such optimization resulted in a favorable and highly stable stripping response, with good linearity (up to 80 μg L⁻¹) and precision (RSD=1.8%), and a low detection limit (0.8 μg L⁻¹ with 180 s adsorption). The adsorptive stripping performance makes the bismuth film electrode very attractive for measurements of trace metals that cannot be plated electrolytically, and should address possible restrictions on the use of mercury electrodes.     

Catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric measurements of trace vanadium at bismuth film electrodes

Bismuth-coated glassy carbon electrodes have been successfully applied for catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric measurements of low levels of vanadium(V) in the presence of chloranilic acid (CAA) and bromate ion. The new protocol is based on the accumulation of the vanadium-chloranilic acid complex from an acetate buffer (pH 5.5) solution at a preplated bismuth film electrode held at −0.35 V (versus Ag/AgCl), followed by a square-wave voltammetric scan. Factors influencing the adsorptive stripping performance, including the CAA and bromate concentrations, solution pH, and accumulation potential or time have been optimized. The response compares favorably with that observed at mercury film electrodes. A linear response is observed over the 5-25 μg/L concentration range (2 min accumulation), along with a detection limit of 0.20 μg/L vanadium (10 min accumulation). High stability is indicated from the reproducible response of a 50 μg/L vanadium solution (n = 25; R.S.D. = 3.1%). Applicability to a groundwater sample is illustrated.     

Cathodic stripping voltammetry of trace Mn(II) at carbon film electrodes

A sensitive voltammetric method is presented for the determination of tract levels of Mn (II) using carbon film electrodes fabricated from carbon resistors of 2 Ω. Determination of manganese was made by square wave cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV), with deposition of manganese as manganese dioxide. Chronoamperometric experiments were made to study MnO₂ nucleation and growth. As a result, it was found to be necessary to perform electrode conditioning at a more positive potential to initiate MnO₂ nucleation. Under optimised conditions the detection limit obtained was 4 nM and the relative standard deviation for eight measurements of 0.22 nM was 5.3%. Interferences from various metal ions on the response CSV of Mn(II) were investigated, namely Cd(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cr(VI), Pb(II), Zn(II) and Fe(II). Application to environmental samples was demonstrated.     

Application of adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) for the analysis of trace metals in brine

Summary Routine analysis of brine for trace metals is important for safe and economical production in the alkali chloride electrolysis. As opposed to many spectroscopic techniques, trace metal determination by adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) is shown to be performed directly in brine. With minimal sample preparation chromium(VI), iron(III), nickel(II), cobalt(II), titanum(IV), manganese(II), molybdenum(VI) and vanadium(V) can be determined within minutes. The influence of parameters such as pH-value, supporting electrolyte solution, concentration of complexing reagents and possible interferents are investigated for optimal experimental conditions. Minimum detection limits are less than 5 ng/g for all trace metals except 1 ng/g for chromium(VI), cobalt(II) and molybdenium(VI) for 40 s adsorption periods with precisions of better than 7%. AdSV with linear or differential pulse scan is discussed.     

Automatic adsorptive stripping voltammetry at thin-mercury film electrodes (TMFE)

A procedure for the automated on-line determination of nickel in aquatic samples was developed. It is based upon adsorptive stripping voltammetry of the dimethylglyoxime complex at a thin-mercury film electrode (TMFE) on glassy carbon substrate. The severe problem of reproducibly renewing the TMFE was solved by the choice of an appropriate electrolyte and a special potential program. With the developed procedure automatic on-line nickel determinations are possible over extended periods of time with standard deviations not higher than 5% and down to 1.3 ppb nickel.Dedicated to Professor Dr. W. Fresenius on the occasion of his 80th birthday     

Application of lead film electrode for simultaneous adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of Ni(II) and Co(II) as their nioxime complexes

An adsorptive stripping voltammetric (AdSV) procedure for simultaneous determination of Ni(II) and Co(II) in the presence of nioxime as a complexing agent at an in situ plated lead film electrode was described. The Co(II) signal was enhanced by exploitation of the catalytic process in the presence of nitrite. Ni(II) and Co(II) signals are better separated than in the case of bismuth film electrodes. Calibration graphs for an accumulation time of 120 s are linear from 1 × 10⁻⁹ to 1 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ and from 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 5 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹ for Ni(II) and Co(II), respectively. The proposed procedure was applied for Ni(II) and Co(II) determination in water certified reference materials.     

Macroporous antimony film electrodes for stripping analysis of trace heavy metals

We report on the elaboration of macroporous antimony film electrodes. The strategy to create macroporous electrodes is based on the replication of colloidal crystal templates. These electrodes of controlled porosity show an increased internal electroactive area and a significantly improved electrochemical performance. The application of this novel electrochemical sensor for the sensitive quantification of traces of heavy metals has been demonstrated in combination with differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry in model solutions.     

Selective determination of trace copper(II) by cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry with a naphthol-derivative Schiff's base

A selective and sensitive stripping voltammetric method for the determination of trace amounts of copper(II) with a recently synthesized naphthol-derivative Schiff's base (2,2'-[1,2-ethanediylbis(nitriloethylidyne)]bis(1-naphthalene)) is presented. The method is based on adsorptive accumulation of the resulting copper-Schiff's base complex on a hanging mercury drop electrode, followed by the stripping voltammetric measurement at the reduction current of adsorbed complex at -0.15 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The optimal conditions for the stripping analysis of copper include pH 5.5 to 6.5, 8 microM Schiff's base and an accumulation potential of -0.05 V (vs. Ag/AgCI). The peak current is linearly proportional to the copper concentration over a range 2.3-50.8 ng ml(-1) with a limit of detection of 1.9 ng ml(-1). The accumulation time and RSD are 90 s and (3.2-3.5)%, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of copper in some analytical grade salts, tap water, human serum and sheep's liver.     

Simultaneous determination of trace uranium(VI) and zinc(II) by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry with aluminon ligand

Uranium(VI) complexed with aluminon (3-[bis(3-carboxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl)methylene]-6-oxo-1,4-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylic acid triammonium salt) was determined by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (ACSV) using a hanging mercury drop electrode. Trace uranium(VI) and zinc(II) can be simultaneously determined in a single scan in the presence of aluminon and urea. Optimal conditions were found to be: accumulation time; 180–200 s, accumulation potential; 50 mV versus Ag/AgCl, scan rate; 40 mV s⁻¹, supporting electrolyte; 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer at pH 6.5–7.0, and concentration of aluminon; 1×10⁻⁶ M. The linear range of uranium(VI) and zinc(II) were observed over the concentration range 2–33 and 30–120 ng ml⁻¹, respectively. The detection limit (S/N=3) are 0.2 ng ml⁻¹ (uranium) and 30 ng ml⁻¹ (zinc). A good reproducibility shows RSDs of 2.5–4.0% (n=10). The procedure offers high selectivity, with the presence of urea masking some metal ions.     

Selective determination of Ni(II) and Co(II) by flow injection analysis and adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry on a wall jet mercury film electrode

Ni(II) and Co(II) have been determined simultaneously by means of adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (AdCSV) in a computerised flow injection system. The working electrode was a glassy carbon disk that was fitted in a wall-jet flow cell. The electrode was initially electrochemically coated with a mercury film at -1.0 V by injecting a Hg(II) solution in the flow stream. Then, the sample, containing Ni(II) and Co(II), was mixed on-line with a solution containing dimethylgyoxime (DMG) at pH 9 in order to selectively complex the metal ions and was injected in the flow system. After a number of successive injections during which accumulation took place under controlled potentiostatic conditions, the surface-bound complexes were reduced in ammonia buffer at pH 9 by a cathodic scan of the potential of the working electrode in the square wave mode and the current-potential response was recorded. Finally, the electrode surface was regenerated by a potentiostatic polarisation at -1.4 V in the same buffer. The apparatus could be easily converted for continuous flow accumulation in order to increase the sensitivity; in this mode of operation, instead of performing discrete injections, the sample was continuously pumped through the cell. Various parameters associated with the preconcentration, stripping and regeneration steps were optimised for the determination of Ni(II) and Co(II). The selectivity of the method was demonstrated for the analysis of high purity iron; the accuracy for the determination of Ni(II) and Co(II) was 11 and 3%, respectively while the coefficient of variation was 10 and 8%, respectively.     

Determination of ultra trace amount of enrofloxacin by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry using copper(II) as an intermediate

In this work, a simple and sensitive electroanalytical method was developed for the determination of enrofloxacin (ENRO) by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (ADSV) using Cu(II) as a suitable probe. The complex of copper(II) with ENRO was accumulated at the surface of a hanging mercury drop electrode at −0.10 V for 40 s. Then, the preconcentrated complex was reduced and the peak current was measured using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The optimization of experimental variables was conducted by experimental design and support vector machine (SVM) modeling. The model was used to find optimized values for the factors such as pH, Cu(II) concentration and accumulation potential. Under the optimized conditions, the peak current at −0.30 V is proportional to the concentration of ENRO over the range of 10.0-80.0 nmol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.33 nmol L⁻¹. The influence of potential interfering substances on the determination of ENRO was examined. The method was successfully applied to determination of ENRO in plasma and pharmaceutical samples.     

Applications of adsorptive stripping voltammetry for the trace analysis of metals, pharmaceuticals and biomolecules

 A review with 159 references is presented on the applications of adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) for determining trace metal ions in different environmental samples (e.g. water, soil, plant, biological fluids). The analytical applications of AdSV to biologically active organic compounds (e.g. pharmaceuticals, pesticides, biomolecules) are also discussed. Received: 18 December 1995/Revised: 8 January 1997/Accepted: 12 January 1997     

Catalytic adsorptive stripping determination of trace chromium (VI) at the bismuth film electrode

A sensitive adsorptive stripping voltammetric protocol at a bismuth-coated glassy-carbon electrode for trace measurements of chromium (VI) in the presence of diethylenetriammine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) is described. The new protocol is based on accumulation of the Cr-DTPA complex at a preplated bismuth film electrode held at −0.80 V, followed by a negatively-going square-wave voltammetric waveform. Factors influencing the stripping performance including the film preparation, solution pH, DTPA and nitrate concentrations, deposition potential and deposition time, have been optimized. The resulting performance compares well with that observed for analogous measurements at mercury film electrodes. A preconcentration time of 7 min results in a detection limit of 0.3 nM Cr(VI) and after 2 min a relative standard deviation at 20 nM of 5.1% (n = 25). Applicability to river water samples is demonstrated. The attractive behavior of the new “mercury-free” chromium sensor holds great promise for on-site environmental and industrial monitoring of chromium (VI). Preliminary data in this direction using bismuth-coated screen-printed electrodes are encouraging.     

Applications of adsorptive stripping voltammetry for the trace analysis of metals, pharmaceuticals and biomolecules

 A review with 159 references is presented on the applications of adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) for determining trace metal ions in different environmental samples (e.g. water, soil, plant, biological fluids). The analytical applications of AdSV to biologically active organic compounds (e.g. pharmaceuticals, pesticides, biomolecules) are also discussed. Received: 18 December 1995/Revised: 8 January 1997/Accepted: 12 January 1997     

Glassy carbon electrodes coated with cellulose acetate for adsorptive stripping voltammetry

The utility of glassy carbon electrodes coated with cellulose acetate for adsorptive stripping voltammetry of oxidizable organic compounds is evaluated. This surface modification alleviates the co-adsorption problem commonly encountered at conventional electrodes. Interferences from electro-inactive surfactants and, in certain situations, from adsorbable electroactive substances, are minimized. Quantitation of the drugs, chlorpromazine and trimipramine, is not affected by the presence of up to 120 mg 1^?1 albumin or gelatin. The chlorpromazine response is not affected by the bilirubin or perphenazine peaks which overlap at uncoated electrodes. The adsorptive stripping response at the coated electrode is evaluated with respect to hydrolysis time, preconcentration time, concentration dependence, reproducibility, and other variables. The detection limit for chlorpromazine is 1.3 × 10^?8 M (5-min preconcentration). Applicability to assays of urine and serum samples is illustrated.     

Development and characterisation of disposable gold electrodes, and their use for lead(II) analysis

There is an increasing need to assess the harmful effects of heavy-metal-ion pollution on the environment. The ability to detect and measure toxic contaminants on site using simple, cost effective, and field-portable sensors is an important aspect of environmental protection and facilitating rapid decision making. A screen-printed gold sensor in a three-electrode configuration has been developed for analysis of lead(II) by square-wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV). The working electrode was fabricated with gold ink deposited by use of thick-film technology. Conditions affecting the lead stripping response were characterised and optimized. Experimental data indicated that chloride ions are important in lead deposition and subsequent analysis with this type of sensor. A linear concentration range of 10–50 μg L⁻¹ and 25–300 μg L⁻¹ with detection limits of 2 μg L⁻¹ and 5.8 μg L⁻¹ were obtained for lead(II) for measurement times of four and two minutes, respectively. The electrodes can be reused up to 20 times after cleaning with 0.5 mol L⁻¹ sulfuric acid. Interference of other metals with the response to lead were also examined to optimize the sensor response for analysis of environmental samples. The analytical utility of the sensor was demonstrated by applying the system to a variety of wastewater and soil sample extracts from polluted sites. The results are sufficient evidence of the feasibility of using these screen-printed gold electrodes for the determination of lead(II) in wastewater and soil extracts. For comparison purposes a mercury-film electrode and ICP–MS were used for validation.     

Carbon-fiber microsensor for in vivo monitoring of trace zinc(II) based on electrochemical stripping analysis

The optimization and characterization of a microsensor for trace zinc based on stripping voltammetry at a single carbon-fiber microelectrode are reported. Despite the absence of a mercury coverage, the carbon-fiber stripping sensor displays a significant hydrogen overvoltage in the physiological pH and a well-defined zinc stripping peak (at ca. −1.17 V). 5 s deposition periods allow convenient quantitation of zinc over the 100–1000 ng/ml (ppb) range. Detection limits of 0.8 ng/ml (1.2×10⁻⁸ M) and 20 ng/ml (3.0×10⁻⁷ M) zinc were estimated in connection to 60 and 1 s deposition, respectively. The response is reversible with the stripping/measurement step completely removing the accumulated zinc. Measurement frequencies as high as 30 runs per min can thus be realized (in connection to 1 s deposition and measurement steps). The influence of relevant variables of the deposition and stripping steps is examined. The attractive behavior of the stripping-voltammetric microsensor offers great promise for in vivo monitoring of trace levels of zinc.