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.