Preparation of block copolymers via metal‐free visible‐light‐induced ATRP for the detection of lead ions

Polyacrylamide-b-poly(methacrylic acid) was prepared on the surface of Au electrode (Au/PAM/PMAA) for Pb2+ ion electrochemical sensing via metal-free visible-light-induced atom transfer radical polymerization, which was very simple, convenient, and environmentally friendly. Au/PAM/PMAA was carefully examined by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Further, Au/PAM/PMAA was successfully used for the determination of Pb2+ ion by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. Under the optimal conditions, a linear response from 1.0 × 10−11 to 1.0 × 10−4 mol/L with detection limit of 2.5 × 10−12 mol/L (S/N = 3) was achieved from the results of experiments. Comparing with similar Pb2+ sensors, the broader linear range and lower detection limit suggested the promising prospect of Au/PAM/PMAA. In a word, the work of this article had an important significance for the polymer-modified electrodes and the sensitive detection of Pb2+. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 135, 45863.