Copolymers of N-acryloyl-N′-methylpiperazine and methyl methacrylate: Synthesis and its application for Hg(II) detection by anodic stripping voltammetry

Copolymers of N -acryloyl- N ′-methylpiperazine and methyl methylacrylate were synthesized and characterized. The monomer ratio in the copolymer was analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. The copolymer was found to form a complex with Hg(II) ions. A chemically modified electrode (CME) fabricated by attaching a copolymer film to a glassy carbon electrode for the detection of Hg(II) ions is described. The polymer swelled in aqueous solution, allowing easy access of Hg(II) ion for binding. Anodic stripping voltammetry was employed for the detection of Hg(II) ions. The effects of pH of the measurement and deposition solutions, deposition time and the Hg(II) concentration were studied. The limit of detection was estimated to be 0.23 μg/ml.