Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Uranium in Water Samples Using Hg-Thin Film Modified Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Incorporated Carbon Paste Electrode

S Sahoo,A K Satpati,A V R Reddy

doi:10.4236/ajac.2013.43019

S Sahoo, A K Satpati + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/ajac.2013.43019

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Abstract

The variables affecting determination of ultra trace levels of uranium (VI) in aqueous samples by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry were examined in detail using Hg-thin film modified carbon paste and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) incorporated carbon paste electrode. Carbon paste electrode prepared in the laboratory was modified with Hg thin film and used as the working electrode. MWCNT was incorporated into the carbon paste for enhancement in sensitivity of the measurements. Electrochemical response for the uranium (VI) reduction peak was found to be well resolved on the thin mercury film modified carbon paste surface and also with the MWCNT modification. Characteristics of the adsorption preconcentration process were investigated using electrochemical impedance measurements. Electrochemical signals were observed to be enhanced on MWCNT modification of the carbon paste.

Highlights

Uranium is one of the important actinide in view of its use as a fuel in nuclear industry
The variables affecting determination of ultra trace levels of uranium (VI) in aqueous samples by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry were examined in detail using Hg-thin film modified carbon paste and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) incorporated carbon paste electrode
The thin mercury film modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was found to be physically stable in the experimental conditions and workability was comparable to the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE)

Summary

Introduction

Uranium is one of the important actinide in view of its use as a fuel in nuclear industry. Determination of uranium is of immense importance in relation to the nuclear industry, environment [1,2,3] and from a geochemical view point. A relatively simpler method has been proposed based on 6-O-palmitoyl-l-ascorbic acid-modified graphite electrodes [32]. The general trend is to minimize the use of mercury drop electrode and to have modified electrode for the highly sensitive determination of uranium for its natural presence in water samples. Present method has been proposed based on the carbon paste electrode prepared from graphitic powder, onto which thin mercury film was deposited to form the sensor.

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