Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide films for UV/vis detection of noble and non-noble metals

Abstract

In this study, a simple, rapid and inexpensive approach for the screening of heavy metals with photometric reagents was developed based on porous, anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) films, with detection limits of 0.45 mg L⁻¹ (Co²⁺), 0.25 mg L⁻¹ (Pb²⁺) and 0.59 mg L⁻¹ (Ni²⁺). Noble metal ions Ag⁺ and Pd²⁺, as well as Cu²⁺, formed nanoparticles within the AAO channels during micro-solid phase extraction driven by galvanic electroless displacement followed by UV detection.