Voltammetric determination of cadmium (II) based on a composite film of a thiol-functionalized mesoporous molecular sieve and an ionic liquid

A composite film made from a thiol-functionalized mesoporous molecular sieve and an ionic liquid is introduced for use in a voltammetric sensor for Cd(II). The electrode exhibits excellent sensitivity towards Cd(II) in showing a markedly increased stripping peak current. Following the optimization of the experimental parameters, a linear response is obtained in the concentration range from 29 nM to 0.87 mM of Cd(II). The detection limit is as low as 1.0 nM (at S/N=3) after an accumulation at -1.1 V for 4 min. The method was successfully applied to determine Cd(II) in water samples. Features such as large electroactive area, fast electron transfer and low background current make this electrode a promising platform for fabricating reliable electrochemical sensors for various species, such as heavy metals and environmental pollutants.