Electrochemical metal speciation analysis of chemically heterogeneous samples: the outstanding features of stripping chronopotentiometry at scanned deposition potential

Abstract

The application of depletive stripping chronopotentiometry at scanned deposition potential (SSCP) to metal ion speciation analysis of chemically heterogeneous complex systems is described. In this electroanalytical stripping technique, metal which is accumulated in the electrode during the deposition step is quantitatively reoxidized during the detection step. SSCP is able to provide an unambiguous measure of heterogeneity that is not attainable by other nondepletive electroanalytical stripping techniques that measure only a proportion of the accumulated metal. SSCP data are not affected by the secondary interferences that plague conventional electrochemical techniques, that is, induced metal adsorption and insufficient ligand excess during stripping. Furthermore, the effect of heterogeneity, as manifested in flattening of the SSCP wave, can be distinguished from that of electrochemical irreversibility. Data are presented for complexation of Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) by several humic fractions: distinct heterogeneity differences are observed.