A study on the electroanalytical performance of a bismuth film-coated and Nafion-coated glassy carbon electrode in alkaline solutions

Bismuth film electrodes are widely used for determination of heavy metal ions in acidic solutions, while alkaline solutions are rarely employed. We have compared the deposition of Bi(III) and Pb(II) on a Nafion-coated glassy carbon electrode in alkaline and acidic solutions. The results indicate that both Bi(III) and Pb(II) can be deposited in either alkaline or acidic solution, but the quantity of Pb(II) deposited in alkaline solution is less than that in acidic solution. The modified electrode was used to determine heavy metal ions in both alkaline and acidic solutions, and the results of the method agree well with those of atomic absorption spectroscopy.