High Performance of MWCNTs - Chitosan Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Voltammetric Trace Analysis of Cd(II)

Abstract

A scaffold of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and chitosan biopolymer were assembled on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for Cadmium(II) ion detection in aqueous solution. The electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Parameters for the electrochemical detection of cadmium ions were optimized using Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (SWASV), with an acetate buffer at a pH of 5. A limit of detection of 0.09 μg L-1 was achieved. Moreover, detection selectivity was demonstrated using SWASV with this modified electrode for Cd(II) detection in the presence of other toxic heavy metal ions, including 30 μg L-1 Pb(II), 30 μg L-1 Co(II), and 100 μg L-1 Hg(II). This electrode combined with SWASV provides a new perspective for simultaneous detection of these species with a very low limit of detection.