Aminobenzene sulfonic acid-functionalized carbon nanotubes on glassy carbon electrodes for probing traces of mercury(II)

This work reports on a new electrochemical sensing strategy for quantitative monitoring of inorganic mercury(II) (Hg2+) in the contaminated water by immobilization of poly(p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid)-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes on a glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical behavior of the resulting sensor was assessed and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the sensor displayed good electrocatalytic responses to Hg2+ reduction ranging from 1.0 ?mol L-1 to 0.5 mmol L-1 with a detection limit of 0.5 ?mol L-1. The selectivity against other potentially interfering ions and the applicability in contaminated water samples have also been evaluated.