Polycurcumin nanospheres modified electrode for nanoscale detection of mercury ions in seawater

Abstract Curcumin, a β-diketone natural ligand is capable of coordinating and forming a stable complex with a variety of metal ions. In this study, we have reported electropolymerization that can convert macromolecules (curcumin) into nanosphere-shaped polycurcumin film (PCR-NS). The PCR-NS modified electrode was utilized for the detection of Hg2+ ions at a nanoscale concentration by the differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) technique. Surface morphology and electrochemical behavior of the PCR-NS electrode and its metal complex were characterized. Parameters such as the effect of electrolyte, pH, preconcentration time were optimized for selective determination of Hg2+ ions with the linear concentration range from 0.21 to 21.72 μgL-1, with LOD 70.49 ngL-1.