Determination of cadmium ions in water by a novel electrochemiluminescence method

Abstract

A new electrochemiluminescence (ECL) reaction in aqueous solution, involving cadmium(II) ions, is reported. The ECL reaction occurs in the presence of a common co-reactant, tripropylamine (TPA), and an organic ligand, 1,10-phenanthroline. The reaction is presumed to arise from the metal–ligand complex and co-reactant. Conditions for ECL emission were optimised and a calibration graph constructed. Emission was linear over the 50–1000 ppb range. The calculated limit of detection (LOD) was 5 ppb. The interference of other metal ions with the ECL reaction was also examined.