Detection of Lead and Environmental Parameters with Sulfur Film Modification of Screen Print Electrode

Abstract

Environmental electrochemical sensors are an exciting field with a high volume of possibilities. Screen print electrodes have a tremendous advantage for environmental applications as they are 1) capable of performing laboratory and field measurements 2) allow a variety of surface science techniques and provide 3) an excellent outreach medium for students to learn about a variety of engineering and scientific disciplines. The use of redox-active (faradaic or “duck curve”) and non-redox (non-faradaic or capacitance) elements were used to detect lead and bicarbonate respectively using cyclic voltammetry. Aims of this project include the performance assessment of a screen print electrode with sulfur films treatments to detect these environmental compounds. This research education and outreach project summarizes efforts made to conduct and disseminate environmental electrochemistry to students in the New Brunswick area and Rutgers University. Remote and in-person learning labs were conducted to teach students fundamentals of electrochemistry and empower an underserved population to pursue science and engineering disciplines.