Determination of U(VI) by differential pulse stripping voltammetry using a polydopamine/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode

A novel mercury-free electrochemical sensor for uranium has been fabricated with two-dimensional polydop-amine-reduced graphene oxide (PDA-rGO) composites, which is obtained through a simple self-polymerization of dopamine monomers on GO surface. Morphological characterization displayed that PDA was well coated on the rGO and the PDA-rGO composites exhibited a rougher structure. Furthermore, the introduction of PDA greatly increased the amount of functional groups, and PDA-rGO showed significantly enhanced detection activity for uranium. The influence of several experimental parameters such as pH of supporting electrolyte, accumulation time and PDA-rGO amount on the sensitivity of uranium measurement were studied. Under the best conditions, the PDA-rGO electrode could detect U(VI) concentration from 0.1 to 50 mu mol L-1 with a detection limit of 0.05 mu mol L-1. Besides, the developed sensor exhibited higher selectivity and stability, suggesting that the proposed uranium sensor has broad application prospects in the determination of trace uranium.

Automated summary

A novel mercury-free electrochemical sensor for uranium has been developed using two-dimensional polydopamine-reduced graphene oxide (PDA-rGO) composites. The sensor exhibited good morphology and enhanced detection activity for uranium. The influence of various experimental parameters on the sensitivity of uranium measurement was studied, and the optimal conditions for detection range and detection limit were determined.