Metal contaminants in freshwater resources pose a significant threat to human and environmental health, but there is currently a notable deficiency in detection methods suitable for in-field analysis of aqueous metals. Towards this goal, we have developed an electrochemical method that can be adapted into a small, chip-based sensor for measuring aqueous metal contaminants in the field. This method uses perflurosulfonic acid (PFSA) ion-exchange polymers as electrode coatings to preconcentrate trace metal ions and achieve a lower limit of detection. Special attention has been given to electrochemical characterization of the ionomer film coating and optimization of the coating procedure. The behavior of the ionomer film on a molecular scale has proved vital in understanding and modifying the system’s performance in aqueous metal detection. Additionally, our detection method is easily tailorable for a wide range of different analytes. We have characterized the response of multiple dissolved metal ions in order to highlight our system’s versatility.

PFSA-modified electrodes for detection of metals in freshwater samples

ACS Fall 2021

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