Hg(II) Analysis Using Poly(cysteine)-rGO Electrode

In the present work, we have developed a sensitive platform for the selective determination of Hg(II) ions based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) electrode modified with poly cysteine (Poly-Cys). The Poly-Cys/rGO modified electrode was characterised by SEM, ATR-IR and its electrochemical behaviour was investigated through cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. The synergistic effect of rGO and poly-cysteine favoured the complexation of Hg(II) ions onto the surface of the modified electrode. The ions were then anodically stripped and the corresponding voltammograms recorded. The process of complexation followed by stripping was repeated with increasing concentrations of the metal ion. The linear range for the electrochemical determination of Hg(II) using the modified electrode was found to be from 0.05 to 2.7 μM with a detection limit of 0.006 μM. In addition, the electrode also exhibited good stability with negligible sensitivity towards interfering metal ions. The analytical applicability of the modified electrode was investigated by carrying out mercury determination in water samples obtained from various sources.