A study of the photodeposition over Ti/TiO2 electrode for electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions

• Photodeposition as a pre-concentration means of heavy metal ions is used in electrochemical detection
• The sensitivity of electrode (Ti/TiO2) for some metal ions was enhanced by light irradiation
• The selectivity of electrode is derived from matching between potential of metal ions and conduction band levels

Here we reported that UV light irradiation can significantly enhance sensitivity of Ti/TiO2 electrode for determination of trace heavy metal ions (such as Cu2 +, Pb2 + and Cd2 +) owing to the photodeposition of metal ions on the surface of electrodes. The sensitivity of heavy metal ions can be selectively enhanced over the Ti/TiO2 electrode, which is attributed to matching between potential of heavy metal ions and the position of the conduction band of TiO2.