A cathodic photoelectrochemical sensor for chromium(VI) based on the use of PbS quantum dot semiconductors on an ITO electrode

Under visible-light irradiation, a cathodic photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor is presented for highly sensitive determination of Cr(VI) at a potential of −0.25 V (vs SCE). PbS quantum dots (QDs) were capped with mercaptoacetic acid and assembled on the surface of an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode via the linker poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) providing a photoactive sensor. Cr(VI) accepts the photoelectrons generated by the PbS QDs. This promotes the separation of electron holes and enhances the cathodic photocurrent generated by a 470-nm LED. The sensor has 10 pM detection limit and a linear working range from 0.02 nM to 2 μM of chromate. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Cr(VI) and total chromium in spiked environmental water samples.