Iridium Oxide Film Electrodes for Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

The new iridium oxide film electrode, applied for the determination of lead(II), cadmium(II) and copper(II) traces using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DP ASV) is presented. The electrode display an interesting stripping voltammetric performance which compares with electrodes commonly used in voltammetry. The deposited film is known as anodically electrodeposited iridium oxide film (AEIROF). The AEIROF electrode is characterized by long-term stability (more than 40 days) and very good reproducibility of the analytical signals in this time (<= 12% for 0.5 mu M of lead). The regeneration of iridium film is very simple in a time shorter than 60 seconds. The effects of various factors such as: thickness of AEIROF film, preconcentration potential and time, supporting electrolyte composition, potential interferences are optimized. The detection limit for AEIROF film electrode based on glassy carbon for an accumulation time of 30 s is as low as 7 nM for lead(II). The repeatability of the method at a concentration level of the lead(II) as low as 0.5 mu M, expressed as RSD is 2.5% (n = 10). The proposed method was successfully applied and validated by studying certified reference material CTA-OTL-1. Such an attractive use of 'mercury-free' - environmentally friendly electrodes offers great promise to measure trace metals.