Portable electrochemical carbon cloth analysis device for differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry determination of Pb2+

Abstract

A novel electrochemical carbon cloth (CC) analysis device (eCAD) is proposed for the determination of Pb2+ in environmental water samples, which was assembled using a single-step functional CC as both the sensing and the substrate material. The modified CC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectra, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The increase in electrochemical activity is due to the increased defective extent and excellent electrochemical activity of CC. Under optimum conditions (viz. a pH value of 4.5, deposition time of 160s), the sensor is capable of determining Pb2+ by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) at a typical working potential of - 1.0V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Response is linear from 5.0 × 10-9 to 3.0 × 10-6M Pb2+, and the detection limit is 4.8nM (at S/N = 3). The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of Pb2+ in real samples, with apparent recoveries from 96.0 to 102.0% and a relative standard deviation of less than 3.4%. In addition, the integration of the sensor with signal collection components has enabled us to realize on-site analysis of Pb2+, which is highlighted as a new generation of electrode platform for the development of a portable analysis device.Graphical abstract.