Nafion Coated Silver Amalgam Electrode for Determination of Trace Metals by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

This paper describes characterization and application of Nafion coated solid silver amalgam electrodes to prevent surface fouling of surfactants in determination of trace metals by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Polymer films of different thickness were tested using Nafion solutions in the range 0.25%-1%. Optimum thickness was archived using a 0.5% Nafion solution, resulting in both increased response and stability over time compared to uncoated electrodes. The influence of model surface active macromolecules was studied using triton X-100, sodium dodecyl sulfate, dodecyl pyridinium chloride and bovine serum albumin as representatives for surfactants. The resistance to surfactants makes the studied Nafion coated solid silver amalgam electrodes an interesting alternative for practical use in environmental monitoring.