Cathodically Pretreated AuNPs–BDD Electrode for Detection of Hexavalent Chromium

Abstract

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) has strong oxidizing properties and can result in strong carcinogenic effects on human bodies. Therefore, it is necessary to detect hexavalent chromium sensitively and accurately. This article proposes the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)–boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode for the direct determination of chromium with a green and simple detection process by cathodic stripping voltammetry. Gold nanoparticles are used to enhance the detection performance toward Cr (VI). The effect of different pretreatment methods on electrode modification has been studied, and the detection parameters have been optimized. With the optimized conditions, the AuNPs–BDD electrode presents a good linear behavior in a Cr (VI) concentration range of 10 to 1000 μg/L. A low limit of detection of 1.19 μg/L is achieved. The detection process is simple and environmentally friendly. The sensor has been tested for the detection of Cr (VI) in a real water sample with satisfactory results, which indicates potential application of the AuNPs–BDD electrode for the sensitive and onsite detection of Cr (VI).