Determination of cadmium(II) by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry using bismuth-antimony film electrode

In this work, a bismuth-antimony film electrode (Bi-SbFE) is reported for the first time as a possible alternative for electrochemical stripping analysis of trace heavy metals. The Bi-SbFE was prepared in situ on a glassy carbon electrode and employed in combination with square wave anodic stripping voltammetry in hydrochloric acid solution (pH 2.0). Several key operational parameters influencing the electroanalytical response of Bi-SbFE were optimized, such as the different proportions of Sb(III) and Bi(III), pH value of the measure solution, deposition potential and deposition time. Compared with the bismuth-film electrode (BiFE) and antimony-film electrode (SbFE), the Bi-SbFE displayed higher stripping current response. Under the optimum conditions, the sensor revealed highly linear behavior in the examined concentration range from 1.0 to 220.0 mu g L-1, with the detection limit of 0.15 mu g L-1 for Cd(II), offering good reproducibility. The method was applied to the analysis of Cd(II) in tap water sample with satisfactory results. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.