Glassy carbon electrode modified with organic–inorganic pillared montmorillonites for voltammetric detection of mercury

A glassy carbon electrode modified with organic–inorganic pillared montmorillonite was used for voltammetric detection of mercury(II) in water. High sensitivity is obtained due to the use of the montmorillonites which displays outstanding capability in terms of adsorbing mercury ion due to its high specific surface and the presence of multiple binding sites. The experimental parameters and the effect of a chelating agent were optimized to further enhance sensitivity and selectivity. Linear calibration curves were obtained over the Hg(II) concentration range from 10 to 800 μg L−1 for 5 min accumulation, with a detection limit of 1 μg L−1. Simultaneous determination of Hg(II) and Cu(II) was also studied, and no interference was observed.