Activated Copper Cathodes as Sensors for Nitrite Analysis

The increased surface area of copper electrodes upon applying a suitable potential protocol was characterized by atomic force microscopy images. Scanning electrochemical microscopy was used to demonstrate the enhanced reactivity of the generated surface. The modified electrode showed excellent catalytic activity towards nitrite reduction in acidic medium (pH 2). This new platform was used in the development of a fast and simple voltammetric method for nitrite determination. Commercial and rainwater spiked samples were analyzed and the data showed an excellent agreement with those obtained with a reference spectrophotometric method (Griess reaction) at a confidence level of 95% (Student`s t-test).

FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

CAPES (Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico)