Selective method for the determination of gold by anodic stripping voltammetry

A highly selective method for the determination of gold by anodic stripping voltammetry is described. For preconcentration a glassy carbon electrode, activated by deposition of small amounts of gold before the measurement, is proposed. The Au3+ reduction process at such an electrode is effective starting with the potential +0.4V vs. Ag/AgCl electrode. A linear dependence of the current of the gold stripping peak on the gold concentration was obtained in the range from 5 x 10(-8) to 1 x 10(-6) mol/l. The relative standard deviation for 2 x 10(-7) mol/l HAuCl4 was 4.2% (n = 5). The detection limit was 4 x 10(-9) mol/l. The accuracy of the method was verified by the determination of gold in reference materials.