Disposable lithographically fabricated bismuth microelectrode arrays for stripping voltammetric detection of trace metals

This work reports the fabrication of disposable bismuth microdisk arrays by a thin-film microengineering approach and their utility in stripping analysis. The use of bismuth, rather than mercury, as the working electrode material results in more environment-friendly electrochemical sensors. On the other hand, the configuration of the bismuth microelectrodes as an array confers improved analytical performance compared to conventional macroelectrodes or single microelectrodes. Proof-of-principle of the applicability of these devices was demonstrated for the analysis of Cd(II) and Pb(II) using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and of Ni(II) using adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) in static solution.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► We describe the fabrication of bismuth microelectrode arrays.
► A thin layer microlithograhic approach was used.
► The bismuth microelectrode arrays were characterized by cyclic voltammetry.
► The arrays were applied to stripping voltammetric analysis of trace metals.