BISMUTH FILM AND MERCURY FILM ON GOLD MICRO-ELECTRODES FOR TRACE LEAD ANALYSIS

Abstract

The study focuses on determination of trace lead using bismuth film and mercury film on gold microelectrodes. The ex-situ bismuth plating procedure is investigated. At each kind of the films, the analytical parameters are examined to obtain the reliable analytical methods. Bismuth film microelectrode prove its attractive behaviors with detection limit of 0.7 ppb for 60s deposition, the gold one has detection limit of 2.4 ppb for 60s deposition. Repeatability of bismuth film microelectrode are 5% at Pb 10 ppb for 15s deposition, and 3% at Pb 30s for 60s deposition (n=5), and those of mercury film are 11%, 8%, and 4% at Pb 10 ppb, 30 ppb, and 70 ppb for 60s deposition, respectively (n=4). Bismuth film microelectrode represents its promising less toxic and environmental friendly electrode material compared to mercury one.