Sensitive determination of zinc(II) in real samples using a poly(4-vinylpyridine)/mercury film electrode

Abstract

A poly(4-vinylpyridine)/mercury film electrode (PVP/MFE) was applied for the determination of trace amounts of zinc ion by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The PVP/MFE shows better mechanical stability, higher sensitivity, and enhanced resistance to common ions and surface-active compounds than conventional mercury film electrodes. Various experimental parameters affecting the performance of the PVP/ MFE in Zn(II) determination were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the PVP/MFE shows a linear response up to 50 mug l(-1) with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 1.7 mug l(-1). The practical applicability of the electrode was evaluated through the analytical estimation of Zn(II) in various real samples.