A microband electrode array modified with palladium-tin bimetallic composite has been developed for nitrate determination. The microband electrode array was fabricated by Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technique. Palladium and tin were electrodeposited successively on the electrode, forming a double-layer structure. The effect of the Pd-Sn composite was investigated and its enhancement of catalytic activity and lifetime was revealed. The Pd-Sn modified electrode showed good linearity (R² = 0.998) from 1 mg/L to 20 mg/L for nitrate determination with a sensitivity of 398 μA/(mg∙L(-1)∙cm²). The electrode exhibited a satisfying analytical performance after 60 days of storage, indicating a long lifetime. Good repeatability was also displayed by the Pd-Sn modified electrodes. The results provided an option for nitrate determination in water.
Keywords: bimetallic composite; electrodeposition; microband electrode array; nitrate determination; palladium-tin coexistence.