Investigation of Trace Cobalt in Glass Beads From an Archaeological Tomb

Abstract

To investigate ancient glass fragments, voltammetric analysis of trace cobalt (Co) was conducted using modified carbon nanotube sensors in cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave (SW) stripping voltammetry, and chronoamperometry modes. Optimum SW conditions were obtained at working ranges of 40-460 ug/l Co (8 points), and a standard deviation of 0.2881% (n = 15) was observed at 20.0 ug/l Co ion at 100 s accumulation time. An analytical detection limit of 12.0 ug/l was likewise obtained. The results were applied to an ancient tomb glass dated 17th AD (ca. Joseon period; recently found in Sachang Dong, Cheongju City, South Korea). It was found that the sensor can be used in trace analysis of archeological materials.