Sensitive nitrite detection using a simple electrochemically aminated glassy carbon electrode

In this study, we demonstrate a sensitive nitrite detection method using a simple electrochemically aminated glassy carbon electrode (AGCE). The AGCE exhibits a much enhanced sensitivity and good electrochemical response towards nitrite oxidation over a linear range from 0.08 to 1010 μM with a detection limit of 0.01 μM. The validity of the AGCE for real samples was evaluated by determining nitrite in river water and rain water. The good electrochemical performance, construction simplicity and cost-effective functional process of the glassy carbon electrode make the proposed method promising for sensing applications for environmental monitoring. A possible mechanism for the electrocatalytic oxidation process of nitrite is suggested and the kinetics of the catalytic oxidation of nitrite were investigated.