Flow electroanalytical system based on cyclam-modified graphite felt electrodes for lead detection

A flow sensor for trace analysis of lead, using cyclam-modified graphite felt as working electrode is reported here. The detection is performed in two steps: the preconcentration of Pb2+ ions by complexation with immobilized cyclam and the analysis by linear sweep stripping voltammetry. Cyclam ligands are covalently immobilized onto the graphite felt by chemical reactions on amino acid linkers, previously attached to the electrode by an electrochemical process. A surface concentration of about 12% is estimated by cyclic voltammetry analyses, using redox probes. The factors, affecting the performances of the flow sensor are reported, such as the flow rate and the volume of the analyzed solution used during the preconcentration step. A calibration curve typical of an equilibrium process is obtained for lead ions with a limit of detection able to reach 2.5 × 10−8 mol L−1, showing the ability of the cyclam-modified electrode to complex Pb2+ ions. The flow sensor shows a good selectivity toward lead in the presence of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions.