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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 22
(2017) pp 187-190
Simultaneous Detection of Lead and Cadmium Using a Silver Nanoparticle Polymer Carbon Nanotube Composite Modified Electrode
Stamatina Tolias†, Suzanne Lunsford*,†, and Lei Zhai‡
†Wright State University, Department of Chemistry, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Ohio 45435, suzanne.lunsford@wright.edu; ‡University of Central Florida, Nanoscience Technology Center, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826
Received July 23, 2017. Accepted October 23, 2017.
Published: 6 November 2017
Abstract. The
following article describes an introductory electro-analytical experiment which
utilizes working electrodes modified with a carbon nanotube polystyrene
sulfonate coating with silver nanoparticles (CNT-PSS-Ag) to detect analytes
with Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (SWASV). This lab has
particularly focused on the simultaneous detection of two heavy metals, Lead
(Pb) and Cadmium (Cd), without the need of prior separation. The experiment has
allowed for the expansion of undergraduate knowledge regarding carbon nanotube
(CNT) materials, polymers and silver nanoparticles, and their application as
composite modifications to enhance electrode surface electrocatalytic activity.
Furthermore, throughout its completion, students have received the opportunity
to analyze the electrocatalytic activity at the surface of the modified
electrode involved in detecting heavy metals, through the use of SWASV
electrochemical analysis. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was another such
technique of analysis which students were exposed to, in order to characterize
the morphology of the modified electrode surfaces.
Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; analytical chemistry; carbon nanotubes; polymer (polystyrene sulfonate); environment; sensor development; nanoparticle-silver; electrochemistry; and (Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry) SWASV
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: suzanne.lunsford@wright.edu)
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