Voltammetric Sensitivity Enhancement by Using Preconcentration Adjacent to the Electrode: Simulation, Critical Evaluation, and Insights

A popular approach to enhancing the sensitivity of voltammetry is the surface modification of electrodes to provide adsorption sites which allow preconcentration of target species to promote sensitivity and reduced limits of detection. The surface modifier is typically inert other than providing enhanced adsorption and hence preconcentration and nonconductive so that after preconcentration the adsorbent must desorb and diffuse to the electrode before detection. We report the simulation of an idealized model for this type of voltammetry, focusing in particular on the effects of adsorption coverage and binding strength on the surface on the voltammetry response.