Electrochemical Sensors to Detect Heavy Metals and Carcinogenic Compounds: Inquiry-Based Modules to Meet Today's Interest

The developments of novel electrochemical sensors to detect phenol (phenol derivatives) and heavy metals in solution have been a focus of our inquiry-based laboratory experiences.  Our students are engaged into the applications of Controlled Potential Electrolysis (CPE) to create a modified working electrode to detect the common contaminants such as phenols and heavy metals in solutions by electroanalytical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV).   Additional analytical instrumentation skills were required through out these inquiry-based learning experiences to confirm the modified working electrodes (TiO₂/ZrO₂, Polymers and Carbon Nanotube, CNT) were electrochemically created by such instrumentation such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy and X-Ray Fluorescence.  The students content gains were assessed through out these lab modules according to the R.R. Hake’ method.  These content gains assessed will be discussed as well to exemplify the inquiry-based learning experiences of our undergraduate students experiences to meet the needs of todays workforce.