Electrochemical determination of zirconium ions using 1-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthoyazo)-2-naphthol-4-sulphonic acid as a novel reagent

This study presents a comprehensive research to determine zirconium ions using an electrochemical approach, employing 1-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthoyazo)-2-naphthol-4-sulphonic acid (HNSA) as a reagent. The research is significant, given the widespread use of zirconium in industries such as ceramics, lasers, catalysts, and more, and the need for its extraction from technological wastes. The study utilised chronoamperometry, Tafel, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to understand the reaction mechanisms involved in the amperometric determination of zirconium ions. The results revealed that the electrooxidation of the chosen reagent occurs at 1.0 volts, as assessed by the chronoamperometric method. Additionally, the half-wave potential was found to be equal to 0.47 volts at pH 2.58 by the cyclic voltammetric method. The study confirmed that the reaction is irreversible and that the complexation of zirconium ions with the reagent is not interfered with by the presence of Bi3+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Fe2+ cations in a 1:1 ratio. This research provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method for the determination of zirconium ions, offering significant implications for industries dealing with zirconium.