POLY(ESTER-SULFONIC ACID)-COATED MERCURY FILM ELECTRODES FOR ANODIC-STRIPPING VOLTAMMETRY

The antifouling properties of poly(ester‐sulfonic acid) coatings are explored for stripping voltammetric measurements of trace metals in the presence of organic surfactants. Up to at least 100 mg/L of gelatin, Triton X‐100, albumin, or humic acid does not affect the stripping response of heavy metals. A relative standard deviation of 4% is obtained for 20 successive measurements of 5 × 10−7 M lead in the presence of 50 mg/L Triton X‐100. Experimental variables, including film thickness, rotation speed, analyte, and surfactant concentrations, are explored. Potential for speciation work and assays of clinical samples is also indicated. The resistance to surfactant interferences, coupled with the simple coating procedure, good mechanical stability, and low cost, make poly(ester‐sulfonic acid) coatings very attractive for anodic stripping voltammetry. Copyright © 1990 VCH Publishers, Inc.