Voltammetric characterisation of silicon-based microelectrode arrays and their application to mercury-free stripping voltammetry of copper ions

This paper describes the electrochemical characterisation of a range of gold and platinum microelectrode arrays (MEAs) fabricated by standard photolithographic methods. The inter-electrode spacing, geometry, numbers and dimensions of the electrodes in the arrays were found to influence the voltammetric behaviours obtained. Excellent correlation was found between experimental data and theoretical predictions employing published models of microelectrode behaviour. Gold MEAs were evaluated for their applicability to copper determination in a soil extract sample, where agreement was found between the standard analytical method and a method based on underpotential deposition—anodic stripping voltammetry (UPD-ASV) at the MEAs, offering a mercury-free alternative for copper sensing.