Preparation of block copolymers via metal‐free visible‐light‐induced ATRP for the detection of lead ions

Polyacrylamide‐ b ‐poly(methacrylic acid) was prepared on the surface of Au electrode (Au/PAM/PMAA) for Pb 2+ ion electrochemical sensing via metal‐free visible‐light‐induced atom transfer radical polymerization, which was very simple, convenient, and environmentally friendly. Au/PAM/PMAA was carefully examined by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Further, Au/PAM/PMAA was successfully used for the determination of Pb 2+ ion by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. Under the optimal conditions, a linear response from 1.0 × 10 −11 to 1.0 × 10 −4 mol/L with detection limit of 2.5 × 10 −12 mol/L ( S / N  = 3) was achieved from the results of experiments. Comparing with similar Pb 2+ sensors, the broader linear range and lower detection limit suggested the promising prospect of Au/PAM/PMAA. In a word, the work of this article had an important significance for the polymer‐modified electrodes and the sensitive detection of Pb 2+ . © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135 , 45863.