Abstract
To establish the method for preparing glassy carbon electrodes which give reproducible anodic stripping curves and small background currents, the effects of various factors (the kind of glassy carbon, surface roughness, chemical pretreatments, etc.) on the shape of the stripping curves of copper and mercury have been studied. The recommended method is as follows. The surface of a glassy carbon rod (Tokai Electrode Mfg. Co. Grade GC-20, 5mmφ×50mm) is polished with an emery paper (No.5/0) followed by a chromium(III) oxide suspension (ca.0.5μmφ) and covered with epoxy resin adhesive at (6080)°C. Then the rod is sheathed with Teflon. After complete setting, the surface of the electrode is polished with a series of emery papers of increasing fineness (Nos. 0 to 5/0), then with the chromium(III) oxide suspension. The electrode is washed with 7 M aqueous ammonia, ethanolic 5% sodium hydroxide solution, and water, successively, with the aid of ultrasonics. The electrode is held in a supporting electrolyte at+0.8 Vvs. SCE for a definite time, and then rinsed with water.
