Graphene electroanalysis: Inhibitory effects in the stripping voltammetry of cadmium with surfactant free graphene

We explore the use of surfactant free graphene towards the electroanalytical sensing of cadmium(II) ions via anodic stripping voltammetry. In line with literature methodologies, we modify an electrode substrate which exhibits relatively fast electron transfer with commercially available graphene which is free from surfactants. Surprisingly, we find that graphene reduces the analytical performance and hence inhibits the electrochemical detection of cadmium(II) ions, with calibration plots in model aqueous solutions revealing no advantages of employing graphene in this analytical context.