Potentiometric flow injection detection of copper (II) with a graphite carbon electrode

A graphite carbon electrode has been evaluated in a potentiometric flow injection system for the detection of Cu2+. The electrode response characteristics were investigated by both cyclic voltammetry and potentiometry, and it is suggested that the electrode potential change results in the adsorption of Cu2+ at the electrode surface. The carbon electrode was used for the flow injection potentiometric detection of Cu2+ in 0.05 mol/L NaAc-0.2 mol/L NaCl at pH of 6.0 carrier solution. A linear response in concentration range of 1x10-5-1x10-2 mol/L was obtained with a detection limit of 5x10-5 mol/L. The electrode described in this paper is simple and low cost.