Determination of trace thorium using catalytic-adsorptive stripping voltammetry of the thorium-cupferron complex

Talanta. 1993 Jun;40(6):845-9. doi: 10.1016/0039-9140(93)80040-x.

Abstract

A sensitive stripping voltammetric procedure for trace measurement of thorium, based on the catalytic-adsorptive peak of the thorium-cupferron complex, is reported. Optimal experimental conditions include the use of 1mM BES buffer solution (pH 5.5), containing 20muM cupferron, an accumulation potential of -0.80 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and a differential pulse potential scan. The resulting stripping procedure offers improved sensitivity over a previous stripping scheme for thorium. The limit of detection after 5 min preconcentration is 50 ng/l. (2 x 10(-10)M), the response is linear up to 8 x 10(-8)M, and the relative standard deviation at the 2.1 x 10(-8)M level is 4.4%. Possible interferences are evaluated.