The electrochemical determination of ammonium based on the selective inhibition of the low-spin iron(II)/(III) system of Prussian blue

Abstract

A new method is described for the determination of ammonium in aqueous solutions with electrodes modified by Prussian blue (PB). The specific voltammetric response of PB-modified electrodes to ammonium ions is used for their analytical determination. In the presence of ammonium ions, a concentration-dependent inhibition of the low-spin iron(II/III) system of PB occurs. Only thallium and rubidium ions cause similar inhibition. A useful electrochemical determination method is thus available for detecting ammonium ions in the presence of frequently interfering potassium and sodium ions. Paraffin-impregnated graphite electrodes modified with a mechanically transferred PB layer and bulk-modified PB-composite electrodes are studied. The method is applicable within a concentration range which extends from 4 × 10⁻⁵ mol/l to 10⁻² mol/l NH₄ ⁺. The composite electrode is used in an electrochemical flow-through system in conjunction with the Kjeldahl method.