Highly sensitive detection of hexavalent chromium utilizing a sol-gel/carbon nanotube modified electrode

A pyridine-functionalized thin film has been fabricated to selectively preconcentrate Cr(VI) anions for electrochemical detection in the 5-300 μg L^-1 range. Glassy carbon electrodes were modified through physical deposition of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the electrode surface, followed by electrochemical deposition of a sol-gel containing a 2-pyridine functional group. The use of SWNTs has increased sensitivity for Cr(VI) detection in aqueous solutions, providing a detection limit of 0.8 μg L^-1.