Optimising Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry: Strategies and Limitations

The widely employed electroanalytical technique of adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdsSV) is critically assessed and evaluated at a wide and diverse range of unmodified and nano-particle modified carbon electrodes using the analyte fipronil as a paradigmatic case. The generic electroanalytical performances of the nano-particle modified electrodes are investigated and compared with the unmodified electrodes revealing similar LOD values and pointing to intrinsic limitations of AdsSV arising from the non-independence of the Faradaic and capacitive signals during the stripping step. Methods for facilitating the adsorption or using different waveforms that may offer a more favourable limit of detection (LOD) at the nano-particle modified electrodes are suggested and assessed, specifically the use of adsorption onto particles prior to their use for modifying electrodes and also the recently introduced method of semi-circular voltammetry.