Linear scan stripping voltammetry of copper(II) at the chemically modified carbon paste electrode

Abstract

A new chemically modified electrode (CME), α-benzoinoxime (CUPRON) modified carbon paste electrode, for determining copper(II) is reported because of its excellent selectivity and sensitivity. The electrode is made by mixing a quantity of CUPRON (25%, w/w) with graphite powder (50%, w/w) and paraffin oil (25%, w/w). The CME preferentially deposits copper from the pH 8.5 NH₃-NH₄Cl buffer solution containing copper(II) under an open circuit and most of metal ions do not interfere with the measurements. The detection limit (S/N of three) for determining Cu(II) is 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ g/ml after 10 min accumulation in fast linear scan stripping voltammetric measurement. Linear calibration curves are obtained for Cu(II) concentration ranged from 1 × 10⁻⁸ M to 1 × 10⁻⁶ M. The response can be maintained with relative standard deviation of 6.0% in a 5 × 10⁻⁶ M Cu(II) solution after eight accumulation/measurement/ regeneration cycles at the same electrode surface. The effect resulted from carbon paste preparation, reduction potential, electrode renewal, electrolyte and solution pH, preconcentration time, concentration dependence, possible interference and other variables has been evaluated. As for application, the CME demonstrates its high sensitivity and copper-selectivity in complex composition samples, such as anodic mud and polluted water.