Application of polypyrrole/humic acid composite electrode for copper ion extraction from drinking water.

Abstract

Cooper is a metal commonly used tio transport water systems due to its stability and advantageous properties. At the same time, corrosion may be problem affectin these systems, for instance, causing the leaching of metal (Cu(II)) in water. I this study we have applied and electrochemical method for extracting this element. The use humic acid and of a conductive polymer (polypyrrole) in a PIGE/HA/PPy modified electrode was evaluated for the electrochemical extraction of Cu(II) form drinking water. Synthetic water samples were cotacted with Cu(0) pipes during 24 h (leaching yielded Cu(II)). Modified electrodes were prepared by mechanical transfer of humic acid (HA) to the base electrode (PIGE) and then depositing a polypyrrole (PPy) coating by potentiostatic electropolymerization. The modified electrode was subsequently utilized for Cu(II) electrochemicla extraction form water samples using a chronocoulometric method, with a removal rate of up to 72% Thus, the feasibility of decreasing Cu(II) concentration in drinking water systems was proven, corroborating the usefulness of the PIGE/HA/PPy surface modified electrode. Besides, the application in the systems of this kind can be further improved by considering the different variables involved, e.g. PIGE electrode area, HA amount, PPy, thickness, etc.