Evaluation of Hydrophilized Graphite Felt for Electrochemical Heavy Metals Detection (Pb2+, Hg2+)

Laila Bouabdalaoui,Christel Laberty-Robert,Benjamin Le Ouay,Thibaud Coradin

doi:10.1155/2015/890425

Abstract

Hydrophilized graphite felt has been used,for the first time, for the electrochemical detection of Hg2+ions both as single metal species and via its simultaneous detection with Pb2+. To do so, square wave voltammetry (SWV) method was developed with alginate modified graphite felt as working electrode. The structure of the graphite felt such as its high porosity and specific surface area coupled with its good electrical conductivity allows achieving large peak currents via the SWV method, suggesting that the alginate coating helps to preconcentrate metals at the carbon surface. The as-described electrode has low cost, it is easy to manipulate, and the electrochemical analysis can be performed by simple immersion of the felt in the metal solution.

Highlights

Increasing of industrial activities in the world leads to the fast and important dissemination of heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, in grounds, in aqueous environments, and even in human beings
In addition to its hydrophilization effect, alginic acid can contribute to the electrode performance by favoring the binding of metal ions on the carbon surface
The fibers surface was coated with alginic acid, following a methodology described by Le Ouay et al [23, 24] and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (Hitachi S-3400N working at 10 kV)

Summary

Introduction

Increasing of industrial activities in the world leads to the fast and important dissemination of heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, in grounds, in aqueous environments, and even in human beings. Heavy metals are not biodegradable and can exist in highly stable inorganic forms. Many analytical techniques have been developed for detection of trace amounts of toxic heavy metals. Electrochemical techniques, such as square wave voltammetry, are of low cost and operational and have excellent sensitivity and suitability for determination of multiple analytes [4,5,6,7]. Their performances are highly dependent on the choice of the electrode materials

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Conclusion