Characterization and Application of Bismuth-Film Modified Graphite-Polyurethane Composite Electrodes

Bismuth films (BiF) deposited in situ on graphite‐polyurethane composite electrodes were successfully used for the determination of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu and Hg, simultaneously in acetate buffer solution pH 4.5 using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. It is possible to determine metals reoxidized at potentials more negative and more positive than Bi using in situ deposited BiF; reoxidation was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The BiF‐modified electrode was applied to analyse tap water. The influence of surface‐active compounds, Triton X‐100 and bovine serum albumin, on the stripping of these metals was investigated; Nafion coatings did not significantly improve the performance.