In this study, a novel nanostructured cadmium(II) ion imprinted polymer (Cd-IIP) was prepared through sol-gel process. The prepared material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The resulting Cd-IIP material was employed for modification of simple and low-cost carbon paste electrode (CPE). The differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric (DPASV) technique was applied for determination of toxic cadmium( II) ions after closed circuit sorption on the MCPE. The best electrochemical response for Cd(II) ions was obtained with a paste composition of 10% (w/w) of cadmium(II)-IIP, 65% (w/w) of graphite powder and 25% (w/w) of paraffin oil using a solution of 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH = 5) with accumulation potential of - 1.1 V and accumulation time of 300 s. The proposed electrochemical sensor showed excellent selectivity and stability for Cd(II) analysis. The electrode displayed a linear behavior in the concentration range of 0.5-40 mg L-1 Cd(II) with a low detection limit of 0.15 mu g L- 1 (at S/N = 3). The designed sensor was further utilized for the determination of cadmium in different water samples with satisfactory results. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.