Disposable copper-based electrochemical microsensor for analysis of lead in environmental samples

In this work, we report on rapid analysis of lead (Pb) of surface river water using low-cost, disposable copper-based electrochemical sensors. Conventionally, electrochemistry is performed using carbon or gold/platinum electrodes, which can be difficult or expensive to microfabricate. Our sensor features a new, low-cost electrode material - copper - which offers simple fabrication and competitive performance in electrochemical detection. Measurements of Pb using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) show limit of detection (LOD) of 21nM (4.4ppb) and stable response in environmental samples with no need of complex pretreatment.