Quick, Easy, and Inexpensive Way to Detect Small Metallic Particles in Suspension Using Voltammetry of Immobilized Microparticles

Voltammetry of immobilized microparticles on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode was used to detect the presence of metallic copper particles in suspension. The solution sample containing copper particles was placed on the electrode surface and allowed to dry, then square wave voltammetry was performed. Two voltammetric peaks at −0.076 and 0.365 V vs. Ag/AgCl/KCl sat. in HCl 0.5 M were obtained, which correspond to electrooxidation of Cu particles deposited on the electrode surface.