A glassy carbon electrode modified with a bismuth film and laser etched graphene for simultaneous voltammetric sensing of Cd(II) and Pb(II)

Recent advance of nanomaterials modified electrochemical sensors in the detection of heavy metal ions in food and water

As one of the main pollutants, heavy metal ions can accumulate in the human body and cause a cascade of damage. Electrochemical sensors provide great prospects for tracing heavy metal ions because of their properties of high sensitivity, low detection limits and fast response. Electrode surface modification materials play a key role in enhancing the performance of electrochemical sensors. Herein, we summarize in detail the recent work on electrochemical sensors modified by carbon nanomaterials (graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes), metal nanomaterials (gold, silver, bismuth and iron), complexes (MOFs, ZIFs and MXenes) and their composites for the detection of heavy metal ions (mainly include Cd(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), As(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) in food and water. The synthetic strategies, mechanisms, innovations, advantages, challenges and prospects of various electrode modification nanomaterials for the detection of heavy metal ions in food and water are discussed.

Boron and Nitrogen Co-Doped Porous Graphene Nanostructures for the Electrochemical Detection of Poisonous Heavy Metal Ions

Heavy metal poisoning has a life-threatening impact on the human body to aquatic ecosystems. This necessitates designing a convenient green methodology for the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor that can detect heavy metal ions efficiently. In this study, boron (B) and nitrogen (N) co-doped laser-induced porous graphene (LIGBN) nanostructured electrodes were fabricated using a direct laser writing technique. The fabricated electrodes were utilised for the individual and simultaneous electrochemical detection of lead (Pb2+) and cadmium (Cd2+) ions using a square wave voltammetry technique (SWV). The synergistic effect of B and N co-doping results in an improved sensing performance of the electrode with better sensitivity of 0.725 µA/µM for Pb2+ and 0.661 µA/µM for Cd2+ ions, respectively. Moreover, the sensing electrode shows a low limit of detection of 0.21 µM and 0.25 µM for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions, with wide linear ranges from 8.0 to 80 µM for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions and high linearity of R2 = 0.99 in case of simultaneous detection. This rapid and facile method of fabricating heteroatom-doped porous graphene opens a new avenue in electrochemical sensing studies to detect various hazardous metal ions.

Voltammetric sensor for an anti-cancer drug cisplatin based on bismuth nanoparticles/graphene modified glassy carbon electrode

A selective and sensitive voltammetric sensor for the measurement of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin was based on bismuth nanoparticles decorated on a graphene-modified glassy carbon electrode (BiNPs/Gr/GCE). The surface morphologies of electrode modifications were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical characteristics were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed to detect cisplatin oxidation. Under the optimal conditions, oxidation peak currents increased linearly with cisplatin concentration from 6.0 to 180 μM. The detection limit was calculated to be 4.4 μM and the limit of quantification was 14.7 μM. Analytical performance studies demonstrated the good electrode reproducibility and the selectivity of the BiNPs/Gr/GCE towards cisplatin detection. The developed cisplatin sensor was successfully utilized to measure cisplatin in samples of human serum. Recoveries ranged from 89 to 102% and the results from the developed sensor were concordant (P > 0.05) with the results of analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection.

Recent advances in the modification of electrodes for trace metal analysis: a review

This review paper summarizes the research published in the last five years on using different compounds and/or materials as modifiers for electrodes employed in trace heavy metal analysis. The main groups of modifiers are identified, and their single or combined application on the surface of the electrodes is discussed. Nanomaterials, film-forming substances, and polymers are among the most used compounds employed mainly in the modification of glassy carbon, screen-printed, and carbon paste electrodes. Composites composed of several compounds and/or materials have also found growing interest in the development of modified electrodes. Environmentally friendly substances and natural products (mainly biopolymers and plant extracts) have continued to be included in the modification of electrodes for trace heavy metal analysis. The main analytical performance parameters of the modified electrodes as well as possible interferences affecting the determination of the target analytes, are discussed. Finally, a critical evaluation of the main findings from these studies and an outlook discussing possible improvements in this area of research are presented.

A Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Cd2+ Detection Based on Prussian Blue-PEDOT-Loaded Laser-Scribed Graphene-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

Heavy metal ion pollution has had a serious influence on human health and the environment. Therefore, the monitoring of heavy metal ions is of great practical significance. In this work, we describe the development of an electrochemical sensor to detect cadmium (Cd2+) using a Prussian blue (PB), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT)-loaded laser-scribed graphene (LSG) nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In this nanocomposite material, we successfully brought together the advantages of an extraordinarily large surface area. The accumulation of PB nanoparticles results in an efficient electrochemical sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity and fast detection ability, developed for the trace-level detection of Cd2+. Electrochemical features were explored via cyclic voltammetry (CV), whereas the stripping voltammetry behavior of modified electrodes was analyzed by utilizing differential pulse voltammetry. Compared with bare GCE, the LSG/PB-PEDOT/GCE modified electrode greatly increased the anodic stripping peak currents of Cd2+. Under the optimized conditions, the direct and facile detection of Cd2+ was achieved with a wide linear range (1 nM–10 µM) and a low LOD (0.85 nM).

A simple electrochemiluminesecence aptasenor using a GCE/NCQDs/aptamers for detection of Pb

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor was prepared to detect Pb²⁺ with nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) as ECL materials. To prepare the working electrode, NCQDs with carboxyl groups were loaded on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and then Pb²⁺ aptamers were covalently bound to the NCQDs to form a stable GCE/NCQDs/aptamers. On addition of Pb²⁺, the chain aptamers change to a pb²⁺ G-quadruplex conformation, which lead to a large decrease in the ECL intensity. The variation of intensity and the logarithm of the Pb²⁺ concentration had a good linear relationship (R² = 0.998). The detection range was wide (50 pM to 387.9 nM) with a low detection limit (18.9 pM). In interference experiments, the ECL Pb²⁺ aptasensor did not suffer from interference and it had good stability. The NCQDs ECL aptasensor can detect Pb²⁺ quickly and accurately, and provides a fast and efficient method for detection of Pb²⁺. Compared with literatures, the Pb²⁺ aptasensor has simpler preparation process, lower cost; furthermore, it is more environmentally friendly.

Laser conversion of biomass into porous carbon composite under ambient condition for pH-Universal electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction

It is highly desirable to develop durable and advanced electrocatalysts for pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). While it makes much progress so far, the development of an environmental-friendly and cost-effective method to upgrade earth-abundant biomass into high value-added products still remains a major challenge. Thermal pyrolysis method which requires high pyrolysis temperature and long synthesis period is considered as a general method for preparation of carbon-based electrocatalysts. In view of this, ruthenium, nitrogen co-doped porous carbon (Ru@CN) is synthesized by laser conversion method at room temperature using cheap and renewable biomass honey as green carbon source. By controlling the loading of Ru and laser power, the electrocatalytic activities of as-prepared electrocatalysts can be adjusted effectively. Because of the advantage of rich Ru⁰ and Ru-N sites, the synthesized 0.04-Ru@CN-6 with Ru loading amount of 2.66 wt% exhibits a preferable electrocatalytic activity toward HER under all-pH conditions. Especially in alkaline solution, the optimal 0.04-Ru@CN-6 exhibits a small overpotential (11 mV) at 10 mA cm^-2 current density, which is even much better than commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (37 mV). This strategy reported here may be a feasible and unique approach to synthesis and design of high-performance as well as cost-effective all-pH HER electrocatalyst.

Laser-Induced Graphene from Polyimide and Polyethersulfone Precursors as a Sensing Electrode in Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

The need to reduce and eliminate exposure to the toxic contaminant lead (Pb) from drinking water calls for advances in cheap and low-footprint sensing technologies such as stripping voltammetry. This study examines the performance of laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes from polyimide (PI) and polyethersulfone (PES) precursors in anodic stripping voltammetry of Pb(II). Despite their similar electrochemical properties and conductivity, as characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and two-point conductivity, respectively, subtle differences in physical and chemical properties, as measured by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively, lead to PI-LIG electrodes exhibiting higher sensitivity than PES-LIG electrodes. Enhanced electrochemical activity of the PES-LIG electrodes for side reactions due to sulfur substitutions could potentially account for the difference in performance. The results of this study highlight that the starting material can heavily determine the performance of electrodes formed via laser-induced graphitization for sensing and other electrochemical applications.

Electrochemical sensors and biosensors using laser-derived graphene: A comprehensive review

Laser-derived graphene (LDG) technology is gaining attention as a promising material for the development of novel electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Compared to established methods for graphene synthesis, LDG provides many advantages such as cost-effectiveness, fast electron mobility, mask-free, green synthesis, good electrical conductivity, porosity, mechanical stability, and large surface area. This review discusses, in a critical way, recent advancements in this field. First, we focused on the fabrication and doping of LDG platforms using different strategies. Next, the techniques for the modification of LDG sensors using nanomaterials, conducting polymers, biological and artificial receptors are presented. We then discussed the advances achieved for various LDG sensing and biosensing schemes and their applications in the fields of environmental monitoring, food safety, and clinical diagnosis. Finally, the drawbacks and limitations of LDG based electrochemical biosensors are addressed, and future trends are also highlighted.

One-step electrochemical sensor based on an integrated probe toward sub-ppt level Pb2+ detection by fast scan voltammetry

Herein, a one-step electrochemical sensor for selective and sensitive detection of lead ion Pb²⁺ was developed based on an integrated probe meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphine (TCPP)-multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)@Fe₃O₄, which is TCPP-modified magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes. In the integrated probe, TCPP is a porphyrin with a specific cavity structure which could selectively chelate with Pb²⁺, MWCNTs with good electric conductivity provide a place to load TCPP and form a specific adsorption state of Pb²⁺ on the electrode surface, and Fe₃O₄ enables the rapid separation and one-step fabrication of the electrochemical sensor. Based on it, the sample pre-enrichment, separation and determination can be integrated, making the whole process very fast and simple. In addition, fast scan voltammetry (FSV) with a scan rate up to 200 V/s could be used to improve the detection sensitivity greatly, benefitting from the specific adsorption state formed. Under the optimal conditions obtained through orthogonal experiments including adsorption time, integrated probe dosage and solution pH, there was a good linear relationship between the peak current and Pb²⁺ concentration ranging from 2.0 × 10^-4 μg L^-1 to 2.0 × 10^-3 μg L^-1, with the limit of detection (LOD) being 6.7 × 10^-5 μg L^-1 (S/N = 3) i.e. 0.067 ppt. Analysis of actual water samples was successful. Therefore, being simple, fast, selective and sensitive, the one-step electrochemical sensor proposed has a good potential in practical applications.

Graphene-derived nanomaterials as recognition elements for electrochemical determination of heavy metal ions: a review

This review (with 155 refs.) summarizes the progress made in the past few years in the field of electrochemical sensors based on graphene-derived materials for the determination of heavy metal ions. Following an introduction of this field and a discussion of the various kinds of modified graphenes including graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, the review covers graphene based electrodes modified (or doped) with (a) heteroatoms, (b) metal nanoparticles, (c) metal oxides, (d) small organic molecules, (e) polymers, and (f) ternary nanocomposites. Tables are provided that afford an overview of representative methods and materials for fabricating electrochemical sensors. Furthermore, sensing mechanisms are discussed. A concluding section presents new perspectives, opportunities and current challenges. Graphical Abstract Schematic illustration of electrochemical sensor for heavy metal ion sensing based on heteroatom-doped graphene, metal-modified graphene, metal-oxide-modified graphene, organically modified graphene, polymer-modified graphene, and ternary graphene based nanocomposites.