Copper(II) ion-selective sensor with electrolytically plated chalcogenide coating

Abstract

The performance characteristics of a copper(II) ion-selective electrode, based on the copper selenide formed by cathodic deposition of selenium directly onto a copper substrate, are reported. The deposition is carried out at a constant current of 2 mA/cm 2 from 0.1 M Na 2SeO 3 solution whose pH is adjusted to between 6 and 4 with either sulphuric or hydrochloric acid. The electrodes exhibit a linear Nernstian response down to 10 −5 M copper(II) in non-buffered medium. Data on the electrode response time and pH dependence are also presented.