Sonoelectroanalytical detection of lead at a bare copper electrode

The sonochemically facilitated, mercury free detection of Pb²⁺ at a copper electrode has been investigated as a means of simplifying the quantification of this important analyte and to minimise the interference of copper ion. The procedure relies upon maximising the formation of Pb-Cu intermetallic compounds leading to the emergence of a single, easily quantifiable stripping signal. Linear responses to Pb²⁺ were obtained with a sensitivity comparable to that obtained at a bare glassy carbon electrode. Interference from Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ was assessed on the copper electrode with no appreciable change in the Pb²⁺ voltammetric profile observed. In contrast, bare glassy carbon showed a significant change in Pb²⁺ voltammetric profile as Cu²⁺ was added, due to the formation of intermetallic species.