Cubic SiC for trace heavy metal ion analysis

Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is an effective approach in monitoring heavy metal ions in the environment, in which, a poisonous mercury electrode is conventionally employed. In this paper, we demonstrate the nanocrystalline 3C-SiC thin film as an environmental friendly alternative electrode material for ASV trace metal analysis. Low detection limits of 6 ppb and 4 ppb have been achieved in the model analyte systems containing individual Cu2+ and Ag+, respectively, with good electrode renewability. In addition to the detection of individual metals, the 3C-SiC electrode also shows good capability in the simultaneous co-detection of Cu2+ and Ag+ in the analyte. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.