A sensor is demonstrated that is capable of spatial discrimination of
cyanide with use of only a single stationary sensing element, Differen
t spatial regions of the sensing element are light activated to reveal
the solution cyanide concentration only at the point of illumination.
In this light addressable photoelectrochemical (LAP) sensor the sensi
ng element consists of an n-CdSe electrode immersed in solution, with
the open-circuit potential determined under illumination. In alkaline
ferro-/ferricyanide solution, the open-circuit photopotential is highl
y responsive to cyanide, with a linear response of (120 mV) log [KCN].
LAP detection with a spatial resolution of +/-1 mm for cyanide detect
ion is demonstrated. The response is almost linear for 0.001-0.100 m c
yanide with a resolution of 5 mV.