Highly ordered three-dimensional macroporous carbon spheres for determination of heavy metal ions

An effective voltammetric method for detection of trace heavy metal ions using chemically modified highly ordered three dimensional macroporous carbon spheres electrode surfaces is described. The highly ordered three dimensional macroporous carbon spheres were prepared by carbonization of glucose in silica crystal bead template, followed by removal of the template. The highly ordered three dimensional macroporous carbon spheres were covalently modified by cysteine, an amino acid with high affinities towards some heavy metals. The materials were characterized by physical adsorption of nitrogen, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. While the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the functional groups on the surface of carbon spheres. High sensitivity was exhibited when this material was used in electrochemical detection (square wave anodic stripping voltammetry) of heavy metal ions due to the porous structure. And the potential application for simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions was also investigated.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Highly ordered three dimensional macroporous carbon spheres (MPCSs) were prepared.
► MPCS was covalently modified by cysteine (MPCS–CO–Cys).
► MPCS–CO–Cys was first time used in electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions.
► Heavy metal ions such as Pb2+ and Cd2+ can be simultaneously determined.