Preparation of a polypyrrole-lead dioxide composite electrode for electroanalytical applications

A constant potential electrolytic method for the preparation of a new polypyrrole-lead dioxide composite electrode on glassy-carbon substrate is described. The method involves constant potential electrolysis (CPE) of 1M potassium nitrate containing 2mM lead acetate at + 1.100 V vs. SCE for about 10 min, followed by addition of 25mM pyrrole and subsequent CPE at + 0.800 V for about 2-3 min. The choice of experimental conditions for the preparation and mechanical stability, open circuit potential (ocp) response, background current levels and typical voltammetric response of Mn(2+) in 1M sulphuric acid are also presented and discussed.