Electrochemically deposited gold nanoparticles on a carbon paste electrode surface for the determination of mercury

An electrochemical method was developed for the determination of Hg at ultratrace levels using an Au nanoparticle (AuNP) array modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) by anodic stripping voltammetry. Scanning electron microscopy measurements imaged the size and shape of AuNPs on the CPE substrate; it was possible to tune the size and the NP density by changing the deposition time and medium. Electrochemical characterization of the AuNP modified CPE was carried out using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance measurements. Interferences due to some commonly occurring metal ions and surfactants on the stripping peak of Hg were also investigated. The 3σ detection limit for Hg using the AuNP modified electrode was as 0.24 μg/L. This method was applied to determine Hg in soil samples.