Square Wave Voltammetric detection of furan on platinum and platinum-based Screen Printed Electrodes

A rapid, precise and accurate electroanalytical methodology for the determination of furan, a possible human carcinogen, is proposed. The method is based on the use of Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV) on a platinum disk or on platinum based Screen Printed Electrodes, performed in acetonitrile with tetrabutylammonium perchlorate as supporting electrolyte. The oxidation peak height or area present good linear relationship with the furan concentration in the range 1.5 × 10-5-1 × 10-3 M, with all sorts of electrodes, ensuring a detection limit of 1-2 × 10-5 M (1-2 ppm). The SWV parameters optimization and the use of Nafion membrane to protect SPE from fouling and reference electrode damage are also discussed. The application in a complex matrix is performed.