Galvanic stripping determination of sub-microgram amounts of cadmium in high purity zinc materials

Abstract

A rapid, reliable and precise method for the determination of sub-microgram amounts of cadmium in high purity zinc metal and salt samples by galvanic stripping analysis is described. The procedure involves an initial pre-concentration of cadmium on to a glassy carbon electrode and measurement of the time required for stripping. The stripping is effected through localised galvanic cell formation in the absence of any electrical input such as potential, current or chemical oxidant. The procedure is useful for the determination of 10–10⁴ p.p.b. of cadmium in high-purity zinc materials without any prior separation.