Application of pyrite and chalcopyrite as sensor electrode for amperometric detection and measurement of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

The sensing performance of solid-state amperometric sensors based on natural sulfide minerals, i.e., pyrite and chalcopyrite, has been characterized for the detection and measurement of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in aqueous medium. The sensors showed a wide linear relationship range between response current and the concentration of H2O2 from 1.0 105 mol L1 to 1.0 102 mol L1 and 1.0 104 mol L1 to 3.0 102 mol L1 for pyrite and chalcopyrite, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 8.6 106 mol L1 and 5.2 105 mol L1 (S/N ¼ 3), respectively. The electrodes exhibited great sensitivity, repeatability and short response time (less than 5 s). The results show that pyrite and chalcopyrite can be used as a natural, low cost, reliable and sensitive sensor for hydrogen peroxide detection, creating a new and high value application for the sulfide minerals.