Three-Component Spectroelectrochemical Sensor Module for the Detection of Pertechnetate (TcO4-)

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 2013 · Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, 32(3):209-224

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1515/revac-2013-0001· OSTI ID:1090166

Chatterjee, Sayandev; Bryan, Samuel A.; Seliskar, Carl J.; Heineman, William R.

This review looks at the advancements in the development of a sensor for technetium (Tc) that is applicable to characterizing and monitoring the vadose zone and associated subsurface water. Subsurface contamination by Tc is of particular concern for two reasons: the extremely long lifetime of its most common isotope 99Tc (half-life = 2 x 105 years) and the fast migration in soils of pertechnetate (TcO4–) which is considered to be the dominant 99Tc species in ground water. TcO4– does not have a characteristic spectral signature which prevents its rapid, sensitive, and economic in-situ detection. To address this problem, a novel spectroelectrochemical sensor has been designed that combines three modes of selectivity (electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and selective partitioning) into a single sensor to substantially improve specificity which is critical in the specific detection of an analyte in the presence of potential interfering species. The sensor consists of a basic spectroelectrochemical configuration: a waveguide with an optically transparent electrode (OTE) that is coated with a thin chemically-selective film that preconcnetrates the analyte. The key to adapting this generic sensor to detect TcO4– and Tc complexes lies in the development of chemically-selective films that preconcentrate the analyte and, when necessary, chemically convert it into a complex with electrochemical and spectroscopic properties appropriate for sensing. This review focuses on the general concept of the sensor and the rationale for the selection of the specific components of choice, the development and characterization of the sensor for the different detection modules, the synthesis and characterization of complexes relevant in the detection of technetium, and the progress in the utilization of the sensor module for the effective detection of these complexes.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1090166
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-92971; 39193; KP1504010
• Journal Information: Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, 32(3):209-224, Journal Name: Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, 32(3):209-224
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
pertechnetate
spectroelectrochemistry
three-component sensor