Voltammetry is an electroanalytical technique used to study the redox properties of analytes in solution. It can be used to quantify the amount of copper in a sample by measuring the current response as a function of the applied potential. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to quantify the amount of copper using voltammetry:1. Prepare the sample: Dissolve the sample containing copper in an appropriate electrolyte solution. The solution should be deoxygenated to avoid interference from oxygen reduction. This can be done by purging the solution with an inert gas e.g., nitrogen or argon for several minutes.2. Choose the appropriate voltammetric technique: There are several voltammetric techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry. Each technique has its advantages and limitations. For copper analysis, differential pulse voltammetry DPV or stripping voltammetry e.g., anodic stripping voltammetry, ASV are commonly used due to their high sensitivity and selectivity.3. Set up the electrochemical cell: The electrochemical cell typically consists of a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter auxiliary electrode. The working electrode is where the redox reaction of interest occurs. For copper analysis, a mercury film electrode, bismuth film electrode, or a glassy carbon electrode can be used. The reference electrode provides a stable potential for the measurement, such as a saturated calomel electrode SCE or a silver/silver chloride Ag/AgCl electrode. The counter electrode completes the electrical circuit and carries the current.4. Perform the voltammetric analysis: Apply a potential to the working electrode and record the current response. For DPV, a series of potential pulses are applied, and the current is measured at the end of each pulse. For ASV, the copper ions are first preconcentrated onto the working electrode by applying a negative potential, followed by anodic stripping, where the potential is swept in the positive direction, and the copper ions are oxidized back to the solution, generating a current.5. Analyze the voltammogram: The voltammogram is a plot of current vs. potential. The peak current corresponding to the copper redox reaction Cu2+ to Cu or Cu+ to Cu can be identified. The position of the peak potential provides information about the redox properties of the copper species.6. Calibration and quantification: Prepare a series of standard solutions with known concentrations of copper and perform voltammetric measurements for each solution. Plot the peak current as a function of the copper concentration to obtain a calibration curve. Use this calibration curve to determine the concentration of copper in the unknown sample by measuring its peak current and interpolating it on the calibration curve.7. Validate the method: To ensure the accuracy and precision of the voltammetric method, perform recovery studies by spiking known amounts of copper into the sample matrix and analyzing the recovery. Additionally, compare the results with other analytical techniques, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy AAS or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ICP-MS , to validate the voltammetric method.