| Abstract: | A convenient and simple electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method was employed to detect trace amounts of Cu2+ in drinking water. This method is based on the inhibitory effect of Cu2+ on the ECL of Ru(phen)32+ and 1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) system. ECL intensity of Ru(phen)32+ was considerably enhanced by the addition of cyclam because of the ECL reaction between them. The ECL intensity of Ru(phen)32+/cyclam system rapidy decreased with the addition Cu2+ because of the formation of chelate complex Cu(cyclam)]2+. Good linear response (R 2=0.9948) was obtained at Cu2+ concentration of 1.0×10?9?1.0×10?5 mol ? L?1 at glassy carbon electrode in 0.1 mol ? L?1 phosphate buffer (pH 9.0). Observed detection limit of 4.8×10?10 mol ? L?1 satisfied the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for Cu2+ set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Applicability of the proposed method was verified by the good reproducibility and stability of the method when applied to determine Cu2+ in tap water and simulated wastewater. Thus, a novel ECL detection method was developed for Cu2+ detection. |
