Hierarchical Nanoporous Sn/SnOx Systems Obtained by Anodic Oxidation of Electrochemically Deposited Sn Nanofoams

One-step electrochemical elaboration of SnO2 modified electrode for lead ion trace detection in drinking water using SWASV

A facile method was proposed for the elaboration of an electrochemical sensor for heavy metal's trace detection by using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV); this method is based on a simple anodic conversion of tin electrode into Sn/SnO₂ modified electrode. Both electrochemical and physico-chemical techniques were used to confirm the modification process and better understand the electrode's behavior. Then, depending on the operating conditions, the response signal was studied and adjusted in order to obtain optimal sensor performance. When optimized, the proposed method reached a lowest detection limit (LOD) of 2.15 μg L^-1 (0.0104 μM), and quantification limit (LOQ) of 5.36 μg L^-1 (0.0259 μM), in linearity range between from 6.2 and 20.7 μg L^-1. Additionally, after having used the elaborated electrode for ten successive measurements, the repeatability remains very high with an RSD of approximately 5.3%; furthermore, ten other species appear to have very slight effect on Pb(II) detection. Finally, for the method validation, the proposed electrode was able to sense different lead concentration integrated in a local bottled spring water by showing recovery levels ranging from 103.8 to 108.4%.

Electrochemistry at Krakowian research institutions

The electrochemistry research team activity from Poland is marked by significant increase in the last 20 years. The joining of European Community in 2004 gives an impulse for the development of Polish science. The development of electrochemistry has been stimulated by cooperation with industry and the establishment of technology transfer centers, technology parks, business incubators, etc. and the mostly by simplified international collaborations. Five research institutions from Krakow reports work in the field of electrochemistry. The achievements of all teams are briefly described.

Incorporation of Ions into Nanostructured Anodic Oxides-Mechanism and Functionalities

Anodic oxidation of metals leads to the formation of ordered nanoporous or nanotubular oxide layers that contribute to numerous existing and emerging applications. However, there are still numerous fundamental aspects of anodizing that have to be well understood and require deeper understanding. Anodization of metals is accompanied by the inevitable phenomenon of anion incorporation, which is discussed in detail in this review. Additionally, the influence of anion incorporation into anodic alumina and its impact on various properties is elaborated. The literature reports on the impact of the incorporated electrolyte anions on photoluminescence, galvanoluminescence and refractive index of anodic alumina are analyzed. Additionally, the influence of the type and amount of the incorporated anions on the chemical properties of anodic alumina, based on the literature data, was also shown to be important. The role of fluoride anions in d-electronic metal anodizing is shown to be important in the formation of nanostructured morphology. Additionally, the impact of incorporated anionic species, such as ruthenites, and their influence on anodic oxides formation, such as titania, reveals how the phenomenon of anion incorporation can be beneficial.