Electrochemical copper (II) sensor based on chitosan covered gold nanoparticles

This study outlines a new sensing platform based on glassy carbon electrodes modified by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the determination of heavy metal. A glassy carbon electrode was modified by chitosan stabilized AuNPs. AuNPs were prepared by reducing gold salt with a polysaccharide chitosan. Here, chitosan acted as a reducing/stabilizing agent. The AuNPs were characterized with UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Chitosan covered AuNPs were immobilized on the glassy carbon electrode for the determination of Cu (II) in aqueous solutions. The electrochemical determination of Cu (II) ions was performed using the differential pulse voltammetry technique. Some parameters for Cu (II) determination, such as pH, preconcentration time and electrolysis potential of Cu (II), were optimized. The detection limit was calculated as 5 x 10(-9) mol L-1 by means of the 3:1 current-to-noise ratio. The interference of Cr(III), Fe(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), Mg(II), Zn(II), Ba(II) ions was investigated and showed a negligible effect on the electrode response. Recovery studies were carried out using tap water.