Eco-friendly voltammetric platform for trace metal determination using a conductive polymer sensor modified with bismuth nanoparticles generated by spark discharge

The fabrication of a low-cost eco-friendly sensor platform for the voltammetric determination of trace metals by electrochemical stripping analysis is reported. Plastic conductive electrodes were manufactured via injection moulding from polysterene reinforced with carbon fibres. The platform comprises a carbon counter electrode, a working electrode modified with bismuth nanoparticles generated by spark discharge and a reference electrode coated with AgCl. The sensor fabrication and modification procedures are simple, cost-effective and fast while the materials used are environment-friendly. The utility of the voltammetric platform is demonstrated for stripping analysis of Cd(II) and Pb(II); the limits of detection are 0.7 & mu;g L-1 and 0.6 & mu;g L-1, respectively (with a deposition time of 240 s) which are comparable to conventional Bi-modified sensors and are sufficient to determine the target metals in water and food samples. The scope of the analytical platform for multi-element assays and for the determination of other trace metals is discussed with representative examples. Therefore, this sustainable and economical platform holds great potential for electrochemical sensing of trace metals.

Automated summary

This study reports the fabrication of a low-cost and eco-friendly sensor platform for voltammetric determination of trace metals by electrochemical stripping analysis. The platform consists of plastic conductive electrodes manufactured via injection moulding, with carbon fibers reinforced polystyrene as the material. The sensor fabrication and modification procedures are simple, cost-effective, and fast, and the materials used are environmentally friendly. The platform shows potential for electrochemical sensing of trace metals, as demonstrated by its utility in the stripping analysis of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in water and food samples.