A multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is described for the measurement of trace levels
of uranium by anodic stripping voltammetry. In a pH 4.4 NaAc-Hac buffer containing 0.010 mol L
−1 Mg(NO
3)
2, UO
2
2+ was adsorbed onto the surface of a MWNT film coated glassy carbon electrode and then reduced at −0.40 V vs. Ag/AgCl. During
the positive potential sweep the reduced uranium was oxidized and a well-defined stripping peak appeared at +0.20 V vs. Ag/AgCl.
Low concentrations of Mg
2+ significantly enhanced the stripping peak currents since they induced UO
2
2+ to adsorb at the electrode surface. The response was linear up to 1.2 × 10
−7 mol L
−1 and the relative standard deviation at 2.0 × 10
−8 mol L
−1 uranium was 5.2%. Potential interferences were examined. The attractive behavior of the new “mercury-free” uranium sensor
holds promise for on-site environmental and industrial monitoring of uranium.
Keywords Anodic stripping voltammetry - Uranyle - Carbon nanotube - Modified electrode - Composite film electrode