A self-polishing platinum ring voltammetric sensor and its application to complex media

• A developed self-polishing voltammetric sensor eliminates sensor-drift.
• The polishing device of a Pt ring offers a reproducible and clean working electrode.
• Sensor shows a remarkably high capability to make repeatable measurements.
• Sensor was successfully applied to samples of urea, milk and sewage water.

A self-polishing voltammetric sensor was recently developed and has been applied to samples of urea, milk and sewage water. The polishing device continuously grinds a platinum ring electrode, offering a reproducible and clean electrode surface. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) techniques were applied to interpret the data and to build prediction models. In an evaluation of samples with different urea concentrations, the grinding step allows for repeatable measurements, similar to those after electrochemical cleaning. Furthermore, for the determination of sewage water concentrations in drinking water and for the evaluation of different fat contents in milk samples, the polishing eliminates sensor drift produced by electrode fouling. The results show that the application of a self-polishing unit offers a promising tool for electrochemical studies of difficult analytes and complex media.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide