Differential-pulse voltammetric determination of trace formaldehyde using magnetic microspheres and magnetic electrode

A new type of magnetic polymer microsphere containing acylhydrazine groups on the surface was synthesized. They can be reacted with formaldehyde to pr oduce an electroactive adduct. Reduction of these derivatives following agg regation on a magnetic electrode is possible and is effective in the indire ct determination of formaldehyde. The experimental conditions and electrode structure are discussed. Under the optimum conditions, it was found that t he peak potential (E-p) of formaldehyde is -1.01 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Formaldeh yde in the range 1-1000 mug l(-1) can be determined. The detection limit fo r formaldehyde is 0.3 mug l(-1) and the relative standard deviation for the determination of 100 mug l(-1) formaldehyde was 2.26%. The method was appl ied to the determination of formaldehyde in environmental samples with sati sfactory results.