Electrochemical determination of arsenic(III) on mercaptoethylamine modified Au electrode in neutral media

A simple, rapid and sensitive sensing platform for the detection of As(III) has been fabricated in neutral media based on the mercaptoethylamine modified Au electrode. A wide detection range of 0.2–300 μg L−1 and a low detection limit of 0.02 μg L−1 were obtained with a preconcentration time of 100 s under optimal conditions. Compared with previous studies, this work shows obvious advantages that it not only suppresses the Cu(II) interference, but also can detect the As(III) in natural water samples at the original pH avoiding high concentration acidic media. Moreover, the practical application of the proposed method was verified in the lake water sample determination.

Graphical abstractIn this work, the mercaptoethylamine modified Au electrode (MEA/Au electrode) was investigated for arsenic detection by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). This method offers obvious advantages that it not only suppresses the Cu(II) interference, but also can detect the As(III) in natural water samples at the original pH with high stability and good reproducibility.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A simple, sensitive sensing platform for As(III) has been fabricated in neutral media. ► The as-prepared sensor suppresses the Cu(II) interference. ► This method monitors As(III) at the original pH of natural water samples. ► This method was successfully applied for the determination of As(III) in real samples. ► The as-prepared sensor has high stability and good reproducibility.