title: Ultrasensitive voltammetric detection of trace heavy metal ions using carbon nanotube nanoelectrode array.
abstract: We describe an ultrasensitive voltammetric detection of trace heavy metal ions using nanoelectrode arrays (NEAs) that are based on low-site density carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The NEAs were prepared by sealing the side-walls of CNTs with an epoxy passive layer that reduces the current leakage and eliminates the electrode capacitance, leading to a low background current. This provides a high signal-to-noise ratio. The CNTs-NEAs coated with a bismuth film were used successfully for voltammetric detection of trace cadmium(II) and lead(II) at the sub-ppb level. The detection limit of 0.04 microg L(-1) was obtained under optimum experimental conditions. The attractive behavior of the new carbon NEA sensing platform holds great promise for onsite environmental monitoring and biomonitoring of toxic metals.
authors.affiliation: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, Washington 99352, USA.
authors.forename: Guodong
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yuehe
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tu
authors.forename: Zhifeng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ren
mesh_terms: D004563:Electrochemistry; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon