Droplet-based amperometric sensor for iodate in table salt using screen-printed carbon electrode

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Iodate determination is crucial for ensuring adequate iodine intake from table salt.
• Existing methods for iodate analysis can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.
• Electrochemical techniques offer potential for rapid, portable, and cost-effective sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel electrochemical sensing strategy for accurate iodate determination in table salt.
• To evaluate the performance of a bare screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for this application.
• To assess the feasibility of the developed method for use in a rapid test kit (RTK).

Main Methods:

• Amperometric detection using a bare screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE).
• Sample preparation involving a low-pH acid solution and a small sample volume (60 μL).
• Cyclic voltammetry for electrocatalytic reduction confirmation and optimization of amperometric conditions.

Main Results:

• A sensitive amperometric iodate sensing strategy was established with a sensitivity of -0.596 μA/(mg/L).
• Two linear ranges were achieved: 1-10 mg/L (LOD = 0.049 mg/L) and 10-250 mg/L (LOD = 0.21 mg/L).
• Analysis of real salt samples showed excellent agreement with a reference method (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The bare SPCE provides a low-cost, green, and practical platform for electrochemical iodate determination in table salt.
• The developed method is rapid, precise, and accurate, suitable for routine analysis.
• The findings support the potential of this electrochemical approach for developing a rapid test kit (RTK) for iodate analysis.