Analytical Sciences

Disposable Screen-printed Bismuth Electrode Modified with Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Stripping Measurements

Xiangheng NIU,* Hongli ZHAO,* and Minbo LAN**

*Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, and Research Centre of Analysis and Test, East China University of Science and Technology, No. 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
**Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of the Chinese Education Ministry, East China University of Science and Technology, No. 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China

Integrating the advantages of screen printing technology with the encouraging electroanalytical characteristic of metallic bismuth, we developed an ultrasensitive and disposable screen-printed bismuth electrode (SPBE) modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for electrochemical stripping measurements. Metallic bismuth powders and MWCNTs were homogeneously mixed with graphite-carbon ink to mass-prepare screen-printed bismuth electrode doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SPBE/MWCNT). The electroanalytical performance of the prepared SPBE/MWCNT was intensively evaluated by measuring trace Hg(II) with square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The results indicated that the SPBE modified with 2 wt% MWCNTs could offer a more sensitive response to trace Hg(II) than the bare SPBE. The stripping current obtained at SPBE/MWCNT was linear with Hg(II) concentration in the range from 0.2 to 40 μg/L (R² = 0.9976), with a detection limit of 0.09 μg/L (S/N = 3) under 180 s accumulation. The proposed “mercury-free” electrode, with extremely simple preparation and ultrahigh sensitivity, holds wide application prospects in both environmental and industrial monitoring.

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