Superparamagnetic Carbon Electrodes: A Versatile Approach for Performing Magnetic Coupled Electrochemical Analysis of Mercury Ions

Abstract

AbstractMercury ions can be captured with superparamagnetic carbon powder substrates and transported to the electrode surface using an external miniature magnet. The magnetic carbon substrate is electronically conducting, and more than promoting efficient preconcentration of the element at the electrode, it increases the electrochemical surface area by forming an extended 3D structure in the presence of a magnetic field. The external magnet allows to perform direct electrochemical analysis, leading to a strong enhancement of the analytical signals for the reduction of the Hg(II) ions.