Ionic liquid-modified multi-walled carbon nanotube paste electrode for cadmium and lead ion determinations

Abstract

The detection of trace heavy metal ions is important in monitoring water quality, a vital freshwater source. This study presents the preparation of a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) paste electrode using a pasting mixture of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid ([Bmim][PF6] IL) and paraffin oil for the determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were applied to characterize the paste composites. The electrochemical behavior of the fabricated electrodes was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. The [Bmim][PF6]-MWCNTs electrode showed enhanced sensitivity for Cd2+ and Pb2+ detections over linear sweep anodic stripping voltammetry (LSASV) performances. Experimental results showed that the MWCNTs-IL-1 electrode using a pasting mixture of 10 μL of [Bmim][PF6] and 190 μL of paraffin oil was the most suitable for Cd2+ and Pb2+ determinations. The LSASV conditions for Cd2+ and Pb2+ analysis at the MWCNTs-IL-1 electrode were optimized, including the deposition potential, deposition time, and pH of the working solution. The stripping peak currents were linearly correlated with the concentration ranges of Cd2+ (1–35 μg/L) and Pb2+ (1–90 μg/L) for both individual and simultaneous determinations. The MWCNTs-IL-1 electrode exhibited high repeatability, reproducibility, and stability over a 30-day storage period. The real applicability of the MWCNTs-IL-1 electrode was demonstrated by successful determinations of Cd2+ and Pb2+ concentrations in tap water and surface water samples, which agreed with the results obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.