Abstract:

The anodic stripping voltammetry method for determining trace cadmium is a classic fundamental experiment in instrumental analysis. However, the traditional teaching content of this experiment is difficult for students to appreciate the value of their acquired knowledge in practical industry and life, which fails to effectively meet the requirements for integrating ideological and political education into the course. Herein, we propose an innovative design and optimization approach for the experiment, better facilitating educational goals of curricular ideological and political education. It involves inspiring students to research and discuss recent news events, the history of the discipline, stories of scientists, and the latest trends in the industry. Additionally, design-oriented and exploratory elements are incorporated into the experiment, which improves the high-level nature of the course. Instead of using pre-prepared cadmium solutions, real-world samples like purchased rice and other grains are used. Furthermore, students independently prepare mercury film electrodes suitable for electrochemical workstations, replacing commercially available electrodes used directly in polarographs. This allows students to not only strengthen their practical skills but also understand the development and modification of analytical instruments and grasp fundamental research paradigms in analytical chemistry. The aforementioned optimizations of this experiment will help to cultivate students' scientific spirit and research aptitude, nurture them with the significance of academic knowledge in solving practical problems in the industry and life, and assist them in establishing professional goals and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

Key words: Instrumental analysis experiment, Anodic stripping voltammetry, Electroanalytical chemistry, Cadmium ion, Ideological and political education, Design of experiment