Multi-element heavy metal ion sensors for aqueous solutions

Multi-element microelectrode arrays were fabricated using microdisks and a novel microband geometry for the detection of trace metals in aqueous solutions using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). By fabricating each array from different materials, (Hg, C, Ag, Au, and Pt) the number of measurable analytes is increased over single material microelectrodes. In some instances, electrodes made from different materials responded differently to the same solution which suggests that intermetallic compound formation may be dependent on the surface on which the compound is formed. Comparisons between the microdisk and microband structures indicate that the microband structure is a better geometry for ASV-based sensors. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.