Design and fabrication of a sensitive electrochemical sensor for uranyl ion monitoring in natural waters based on poly (brilliant cresyl blue)

New insights are proposed into enhancing detection of uranyl ions (UO₂²⁺) by electropolymerization brilliant cresyl blue–modified glassy carbon electrode (PBCB/GCE). The mercury-free PBCB/GCE sensor was applied to determine UO₂²⁺ in water samples by differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV). The unique combination of the PBCB/GCE and DPAdSV significantly improves sensitivity due to the polymer of high electroactive area and fast electron transfer rate. The DPAdSV current using a 3 mm diameter PBCB/GCE was proportional to the UO₂²⁺ concentration in the range 2.0–90.0 μg·L⁻¹ (− 0.113 V vs. SCE) with a detection limit of 0.650 μg·L⁻¹, RSD = 3.1% (n = 10), and 4.5% reproducibility. In addition, the sensitivity for UO₂²⁺ determination was further improved at using an 1 mm diameter PBCB/GCE, which enhances the efficiency of UO₂²⁺ deposition due to its higher current density. The 1 mm diameter PBCB/GCE based on DPAdSV technique could be used to determine uranyl ions in the concentration range 0.20–2.0 μg·L⁻¹ (− 0.113 V vs. SCE) with a detection limit of 0.067 μg·L⁻¹, RSD = 5.7 % (n = 10) and 5.4% reproducibility. Hence, the PBCB/GCE is a suitable candidate to substitute the mercury electrode.