Electrochemical simultaneous determination of nitrophenol isomers at nano-gold modified glassy carbon electrode

Nitrophenols in the environment: An update on pretreatment and analysis techniques since 2017

Nitrophenols, a versatile intermediate, have been widely used in leather, medicine, chemical synthesis, and other fields. Because these components are widely applied, they can enter the environment through various routes, leading to many hazards and toxicities. There has been a recent surge in the development of simple, rapid, environmentally friendly, and effective techniques for determining these environmental pollutants. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress on the pretreatment and analysis methods of nitrophenols since 2017, with a focus on environmental samples. Pretreatment methods include liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, dispersive extraction, and microextraction methods. Analysis methods mainly include liquid chromatography-based methods, gas chromatography-based methods, supercritical fluid chromatography. In addition, this review also discusses and compares the advantages/disadvantages and development prospects of different pretreatment and analysis methods to provide a reference for further research.

Efficient detection of p-nitrophenol via a polypyrrole flower-decorated nickel foam-based electrochemical sensor

p-Nitrophenol (p-NP) is known as a common contaminant found in wastewater, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents which can degrade water quality and cause potential carcinogenic and toxic effects on the human body. Its detection is essential for public health, industrial safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance, underscoring its broad applicability. In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor based on polypyrrole (PPy) flowers assembled via nanotubes was developed for the sensitive determination of p-NP. The nickel (Ni) foam modified with PPy flowers functioned as the working electrode and showed selectivity toward p-NP in a phosphate buffer medium at pH 7.0. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques were utilized for the sensitive determination of p-NP. Under the optimum conditions, the peak currents of DPV versus the concentrations of p-NP in the range of 0.01-20 nM showed a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9943), and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 7.18 pM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3, S/N = 3). The fabricated electrochemical p-NP sensor exhibited high sensitivity, a low detection limit, and a low response time. The recoveries of p-NP in real samples of groundwater and tap water using the PPy Fls/Ni foam electrode were in the range of 91.0-108.4% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) in the range of 6.65%. Consequently, the PPy Fls/Ni foam electrode could be applied as a rapid, precise, and sensitive electrochemical sensor platform for aqueous p-NP quantification and determination.

Nanocomposites with ZrO2@S-Doped g-C3N4 as an Enhanced Binder-Free Sensor: Synthesis and Characterization

This study describes new electrocatalyst materials that can detect and reduce environmental pollutants. The synthesis and characterization of semiconductor nanocomposites (NCs) made from active ZrO₂@S-doped g-C₃N₄ is presented. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott-Schottky (M-S) measurements were used to examine electron transfer characteristics of the synthesized samples. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) techniques, inclusion of monoclinic ZrO₂ on flower-shaped S-doped-g-C₃N₄ was visualized. High-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed successful doping of ZrO₂ into the lattice of S-doped g-C₃N₄. The electron transport mechanism between the electrolyte and the fluorine tin-oxide electrode (FTOE) was enhanced by the synergistic interaction between ZrO₂ and S-doped g-C₃N₄ as co-modifiers. Development of a platform with improved conductivity based on an FTOE modified with ZrO₂@S-doped g-C₃N₄ NCs resulted in an ideal platform for the detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in water. The electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode was evaluated through determination of 4-NP by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) under optimum conditions (pH 5). ZrO₂@S-doped g-C₃N₄ (20%)/FTOE exhibited good electrocatalytic activity with a linear range from 10 to 100 μM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 6.65 μM. Typical p-type semiconductor ZrO₂@S-doped g-C₃N₄ NCs significantly impact the superior detection of 4-NP due to its size, shape, optical properties, specific surface area and effective separation of electron-hole pairs. We conclude that the superior electrochemical sensor behavior of the ZrO₂@S-doped g-C₃N₄ (20%)/FTOE surfaces results from the synergistic interaction between S-doped g-C₃N₄ and ZrO₂ surfaces that produce an active NC interface.

Ionic Liquid Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework ([DEIm][PF6]@MOF-5): Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application in the Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol

A novel, unique, highly effective, and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst, diethyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid supported metal-organic framework ([DEIm][PF₆]@MOF-5), has been synthesized using a simple impregnation method at ambient temperature. Characterization of the catalyst was done through various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental mapping, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyses. The kinetic study has shown the high catalytic performance of [DEIm][PF₆]@MOF-5 for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (NP) compared to other catalysts. The catalyst also exhibited efficient electrochemical activity toward 4-NP reduction. The catalyst was recyclable for more than seven cycles without any significant loss in its catalytic performance. The recycled catalyst was further studied using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TGA analyses to investigate the structural changes that occurred during the reaction. The catalyst maintained its structural integrity even after seven cycles.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of MnO2/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for 4-Nitrophenol Sensing Applications

Recently, the electrochemical sensing approach has attracted materials/electrochemical scientists to design and develop electrode materials for the construction of electrochemical sensors for the detection of para-nitrophenol (4-NP). In the present study, we have prepared a hybrid composite of MnO2 and rGO (MnO2/rGO) using a hydrothermal approach. The morphological features of the prepared MnO2/rGO composite were studied by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the phase purity and formation of the MnO2/rGO composite were authenticated via the powder X-ray diffraction method. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was also employed to analyze the elemental composition of the prepared MnO2/rGO composite. In further studies, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with MnO2/rGO composite (MnO2/rGO/GCE) and explored as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) sensor. The fabricated MnO2/rGO/GCE exhibited a reasonably good limit of detection of 0.09 µM with a sensitivity of 0.657 µA/µMcm2. The MnO2/rGO/GCE also demonstrates good selectivity, stability and repeatability in 50 cycles.

Recent advances in metal-based nanoporous materials for sensing environmentally-related biomolecules

Highly sensitive, stable, selective, efficient, and short reaction time sensors play a substantial role in daily life/industry and are the need of the day. Due to the rising environmental issues, nanoporous carbon and metal-based materials have attracted significant attention in environmental analysis owing to their intriguing and multifunctional properties and cost-effective and rapid detection of different analytes by sensing applications. Environmental-related issues such as pollution have been a significant threat to the world. Therefore, it is necessary to fabricate highly promising performance-based sensor materials with excellent reliability, selectivity and good sensitivity for monitoring various analytes. In this regard, different methods have been employed to fabricate these sensors comprising metal, metal oxides, metal oxide carbon composites and MOFs leading to the formation of nanoporous metal and carbon composites. These composites have exceptional properties such as large surface area, distinctive porosity, and high conductivity, making them promising candidates for several versatile sensing applications. This review covers recent advances and significant studies in the sensing field of various nanoporous metal and carbon composites. Key challenges and future opportunities in this exciting field are also part of this review.

Covalent Organic Frameworks-TpPa-1 as an Emerging Platform for Electrochemical Sensing

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a new type of metal-free porous architecture with a well-designed pore structure and high stability. Here an efficient electrochemical sensing platform was demonstrated based on COFs TpPa-1 constructed by 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) with p-phenylenediamine (Pa-1), which possesses abundant nitrogen and oxo-functionalities. COFs TpPa-1 exhibited good water dispersibility and strong adsorption affinities for Pd²⁺ and thus was used as loading support to modify Pd²⁺. The Pd²⁺-modified COFs TpPa-1 electrode (Pd²⁺/COFs) showed high electrocatalytic activity for both hydrazine oxidation reaction and nitrophenol reduction reaction. In addition, TpPa-1-derived nitrogen-doped carbon presented high activity for the electro-oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH), and sensitive electrochemical detection of GSH was achieved. The presented COFs TpPa-1 can be utilized as a precursor as well as support for anchoring electro-active molecules and nanoparticles, which will be useful for electrochemical sensing and electrocatalysis.

Bi-functional renewable biopolymer wrapped CNFs/Ag doped spinel cobalt oxide as a sensitive platform for highly toxic nitroaromatic compound detection and degradation

Nanomolar-level detection of priority toxic pollutant 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in environment using a novel ternary nanocomposite based electrochemical sensor and its photocatalytic degradation is reported in this paper. A non-toxic and renewable natural biopolymer, chitosan wrapped carbon nanofibers was embedded with Ag doped spinel Co₃O₄ to prepare the bi-functional ternary nanocomposite. Economical and ecofriendly sonochemical method was employed in preparation of this porous nanocomposite. We used one-pot aqueous solution approach to synthesize Ag-Co₃O₄ nanoflowers and ultrasound-assisted method was utilized to prepare CS-CNFs. Morphological and structural properties of synthesized materials were analyzed using different characterization techniques. Electrochemical investigations using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry carried out with prepared ternary nanocomposite modified carbon electrode revealed its outstanding electrocatalytic activity in 4-NP quantification. The developed 4-NP sensor showcased excellent sensitivity of 55.98 μAμM^-1cm^-2 and nanomolar detection limit of 0.4 nM. Moreover, reproducibility, repeatability, stability, and selectivity were evaluated to confirm reliability of developed sensor. Further, real sample analyses were conducted using domestic sewage, underground water, and tomato to affirm the practical feasibility of 4-NP detection using the proposed sensor.

Simultaneous electrochemical determination of nitrophenol isomers based on macroporous carbon functionalized with amino-bridged covalent organic polycalix[4]arenes

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by a hybrid, macroporous carbon (MPC) functionalized with triazine bridged covalent organic polycalix[4]arenes (CalCOP) (CalCOP-MPC), has been fabricated and utilized for simultaneous detection of nitrophenols (NP). The obtained CalCOP-MPC were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which confirmed that MPC had functionalized with CalCOP successfully. Benefiting from the synergistic supramolecular effect of macrocyclic receptor of CalCOP and the excellent electrical properties of MPC, the anodic peaks of o-nitrophenol (o-NP), m-nitrophenol (m-NP), and p-nitrophenol (p-NP) in their mixture can be well separated by the prepared electrode. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements at CalCOP-MPC/GCE revealed that the linear ranges of NP isomers were all 1-400 μM, and the detection limit limits were 0.383 μM, 0.122 μM, and 0.212 μM for o-NP, m-NP, and p-NP, respectively. Moreover, the prepared modified electrodes showed a relatively good selectivity and stability, implying the prospect for detecting NP in real environmental samples.

Performance of graphene-zinc oxide nanocomposite coated-glassy carbon electrode in the sensitive determination of para-nitrophenol

Graphene: zinc oxide nanocomposite (GN:ZnO NC) platform was tried for the sensitive determination of para-nitrophenol (p-NP) through the electrochemical method. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the modified wet-chemical method where in potassium hydroxide and zinc nitrate were used as precursors and starch as a stabilizing agent. A green and facile approach was applied to synthesize GN:ZnO NC in which glucose was employed as a reductant to reduce graphene-oxide to graphene in the presence of ZnO NPs. The synthesized NC was characterized using scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic techniques to examine the crystal phase, crystallinity, morphology, chemical composition and phase structure. GN:ZnO NC layer deposited over the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was initially probed for its electrochemical performance using the standard 1 mM K3[Fe(CN)6] model complex. GN:ZnO NC modified GCE was monitored based on p-NP concentration. An enhanced current response was observed in 0.1 M phosphate buffer of pH 6.8 for the determination of p-NP in a linear working range of 0.09 × 10-6 to 21.80 × 10-6 M with a lower detection limit of 8.8 × 10-9 M employing square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric technique at a deposition-potential and deposition-time of - 1.0 V and 300 s, respectively. This electrochemical sensor displayed very high specificity for p-NP with no observed interference from some other possible interfering substances such as 2, 4-di-NP, ortho-NP, and meta-NP. The developed strategy was useful for sensitive detection of p-NP quantity in canals/rivers and ground H2O samples with good recoveries.

Microwave-assisted assembly of Ag2O-ZnO composite nanocones for electrochemical detection of 4-Nitrophenol and assessment of their photocatalytic activity towards degradation of 4-Nitrophenol and Methylene blue dye

4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) is an extensively utilized industrial chemical and one of major toxic water pollutant. Therefore, there is an urgent need to monitor the levels of 4-NP from environmental samples as well as its eradication are extremely important. Keeping this as a motivation, this research for the first-time reports microwave-assisted cost-effective synthesis of silver oxide (Ag₂O)-zinc oxide (ZnO) composite nanocones (CNCs, 80-100 nm) for simultaneous electrochemical detection and photodegradation of 4-NP from aqueous solutions. The Ag₂O-ZnO CNCs modified gold electrode was fabricated for electrochemical detection of 4-NP. Such fabricated sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 1.6 µA µM^-1cm^-2, wide linear detection range of 0.4-26 µM & 28-326 µM, and a low limit of detection of 23 nM. The sensor also exhibited good selectivity in real water samples. Also, an outstanding photocatalytic performance of Ag₂O-ZnO CNCs was evaluated towards UV-assisted degradation of 4-NP and organic water pollutant dye, methylene blue. The Ag₂O-ZnO CNCs exhibited excellent electro- and photocatalytic activities due to the formation of p-n nano-heterojunction comprising of p-type Ag₂O and n-type ZnO semiconductor nanoparticles within the composite. Therefore, herein reported smart CNCs can be projected as applied nano-system for cost-effective and rapid simultaneous detection and removal of 4-NP from aqueous solutions. Such nano-system can be useful for industrial application where detection and removal of 4-NP is a key issue to resolve.

PEI functionalized NaCeF4:Tb3+/Eu3+ for photoluminescence sensing of heavy metal ions and explosive aromatic nitro compounds

This work reports an eco-friendly hydrothermal approach for the synthesis of hexagonal NaCeF4:Tb3+/Eu3+ nanophosphors. The phase, morphology and optical properties were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy respectively. Herein, the as-synthesized nanophosphor was functionalized with amine rich polyethylenimine (PEI) resulting in development of a luminescent nanoprobe bearing dual sensing functions for hazardous nitroaromatics and heavy metal ions. The strong photoluminescence emission of Eu3+ ions was selectively quenched upon addition of toxic analytes at concentrations from 10 to 100 ppm due to complex formation between the analytes and PEI functionalized nanostructure. The synthesized nanomaterial shows sharp emission peaks at 493, 594, 624, 657 and 700 nm. Significantly, the peak at 594 nm shows a noticeable quenching effect on addition of toxic analytes to the aqueous solution of the nanocrystals. The nanophosphors are sensitive and efficient for the PA and Fe3+ ion detection with an LOD of 1.32 ppm and 1.39 ppm. The Stern-Volmer (SV) quenching constant (K SV) is found to be 2.25 × 105 M-1 for PA and 3.8 × 104 M-1 for Fe3+ ions. The high K SV value and low LOD suggest high selectivity and sensitivity of the nanosensor towards PA and Fe3+ ions over other analytes. Additionally, a reduced graphene oxide and nanophosphor based nanocomposite was also synthesized to investigate the role of energy transfer involving delocalized energy levels of reduced graphene oxide in regulating the luminescence properties of the nanophosphor. It was observed that PEI plays central role in inhibiting the quenching effect of reduced graphene oxide on the nanophosphor.

A three-electrode integrated electrochemical platform based on nanoporous gold for the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol with high selectivity

A novel integrated electrochemical platform was built for the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol.

Metal-free graphene-based nanoelectrodes for the electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and p-nitrophenol (p-NP): implication towards biosensing and environmental monitoring

Herein, tyramine functionalized graphene oxide electrocatalyst is used for the electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid and p-nitrophenol in 1 M phosphate buffer solution at pH-7  with long term current/potential stability and reproducibility.

Facile Synthesis of Silver-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanostructures as Efficient Scaffolds for Detection of p-Nitrophenol

In this paper, silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using a solution combustion technique, in which zinc nitrate is used as an oxidizer and tartaric acid as a fuel. The phase composition, morphology and structural properties of the as-synthesized zinc oxide and silver-doped zinc oxide were established by using powdered X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. Due to well-defined morphologies and crystallinity, the pure zinc oxide and silver-doped zinc oxide nanostructures can be used as efficient chemical sensors for the detection of p-nitrophenol (PNP). ZnO was found to show a low value of the limit of detection (LOD), i.e., 2.175 µM/L, for p-nitrophenol sensing; moreover, a sharp decrease in the limit of detection was observed with an increase in the concentration of silver ions, and the LOD value decreased to 0.669 µM/L for 10 mol % silver-doped zinc oxide. It is therefore concluded that Ag-doped ZnO shows a lower limit of detection as compared to pure ZnO for p-nitrophenol sensing.

Ultrasonic-assisted preparation and characterization of magnetic ZnFe2O4/g-C3N4 nanomaterial and their applications towards electrocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Nanoball-structured ferromagnetic zinc ferrite nanocrystals (ZnFe₂O₄ NPs) entrapped with graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was produced via straightforward and facile sonochemical synthetical technique (titanium probe; 100 W/cm² and 50 KHz). The morphological (SEM), elemental (EDS), diffraction (XRD), XPS, and electrochemical studies (CV) have been carry out to verify the nanostructure and shape of the materials. The ZnFe₂O₄ NPs/g-C₃N₄ electrode (GCE) was constructed which displayed outstanding electrochemical ability towards toxic 4-nitrophenol (NTP). A sensitive, selective, reproducible, and durable electrochemical NTP sensor was developed by ZnFe₂O₄ NPs/g-C₃N₄ modified electrode. The modified sensor exhibited a high sensitivity and 4.17 nanomolars of LOD. It's greater than the LOD of previously reported NTP modified sensors. The real-time experiments of the modified electrochemical (ZnFe₂O₄ NPs/g-C₃N₄ electrode) sensor were successfully explained in various water (river and drinking) samples and its showed high standard recoveries. Therefore, sonochemical synthetical method and fabrication of modified electrode were developed this work based on environmental analysis of NTP sensor.

Highly sensitive and selective determination of p-nitrophenol at an interpenetrating networks structure of self-assembled rod-like lanthanum hydroxide-oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite

In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor based on self-assembled rod-like lanthanum hydroxide-oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (La(OH)₃-OxMWCNTs) nanocomposite was developed for sensitive determination of p-nitrophenol (p-NP). The La(OH)₃-OxMWCNTs nanocomposite with an interpenetrating networks structure was characterized by field emission electron microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed to study the electrochemical behaviors of La(OH)₃-OxMWCNTs modified glassy carbon electrode (La(OH)₃-OxMWCNTs/GCE). The La(OH)₃-OxMWCNTs/GCE was used for sensitive determination of p-NP by CV and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). Under the optimum conditions, the peak currents of LSV versus the concentrations of p-NP in the range 1.0-30.0 μmol L^-1 showed a good linear relationship (R²=0.9971), and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 0.27 μmol L^-1 (signal-to-noise ratio of 3, S/N=3). The recoveries of p-NP in real samples of industrial wastewater and Xiangjiang water at La(OH)₃-OxMWCNTs/GCE were in the range of 95.62-110.75% with relative standard deviation (RSD) in the range of 1.65-3.85%. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were estimated to be less than 2.76% (n= 5), indicating that La(OH)₃-OxMWCNTs/GCE possessed highly stability. In addition, La(OH)₃-OxMWCNTs/GCE sensor showed good anti-interference ability for determination of p-NP in aqueous mixtures containing high concentrations of inorganic and organic interferents, and a decrease of oxidation peak currents by less than 3.57% relative to the initial levels indicated it possessed excellent selectivity. Therefore, La(OH)₃-OxMWCNTs/GCE could be used as a fast, selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor platform for the selective determination and quantification of aqueous p-NP.

Biogenesis of Prism-Like Silver Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nappa Cabbage Extract and Their p-Nitrophenol Sensing Activity

The present study aimed to explore the eco-friendly synthesis of prism-like silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag₂ONPs) from nappa cabbage extract and its p-nitrophenol sensing activity. The prepared Ag₂ONPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning spectroscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet (UV)-visible light spectral analysis (UV-Vis). p-Nitrophenol sensing properties of the prepared nanoparticles were also determined using a simple I-V method. The results showed that the as-prepared Ag₂ONPs have a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline nature and a prism-like morphology with particle size in the range 21.61-92.26 nm. The result also showed a high intensity of the (111) facet, making the Ag₂ONP-carbon black/nickel foam electrode (Ag₂ONP-C/NFE) exhibit a high-performance response to p-nitrophenol spanning a wide range of concentrations from 1.0 mM to 0.1 pM and a response time of around 5 s, indicating a high potential for water treatment applications.

Rationally designed RGO@CuO@Mn2O3 as an excellent electrocatalyst for the rapid and real-time detection of 2-nitrophenol

Rationally designed and functional electronic structures of TMOs (precisely Cu and Mn) with purposeful morphologies were prepared using a facile synthetic method.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of 3D flower-like zinc oxide decorated fMWCNTs for sensitive detection of toxic environmental pollutant 4-nitrophenol

Sonochemical synthesis of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (fMWCNTs) embellished 3D flower-like zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite based novel electrochemical sensor for the detection of toxic environmental pollutant 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) is detailed in this paper. We have used laser-assisted synthesis technique in the development of 3D flower-like ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and ultrasonication method was employed in preparation of ZnO NPs@fMWCNTs nanocomposite using a high-intensity ultrasonic bath DC200H with power of 200 W/cm² and 40 KHz frequency. The nanocomposite was meticulously fabricated on screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to carry out various electrochemical analysis. Different characterizations such as Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) of the materials used in this work were taken. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques are used in electrochemical investigations. We have observed well-defined oxidation and reduction peak currents representing electrochemical mechanism of 4-NP at very low potentials for ZnO NPs@fMWCNTs/SPCE. Furthermore, we were able to achieve efficient electrochemical determination of 4-NP using the developed sensor with a high sensitivity of 11.44 μA μM^-1 cm^-2 and very low detection limit (LOD) of 0.013 μM in a broad linear range of 0.06-100 μM. All the significant features of a good sensor including anti-interference, good stability, excellent repeatability, and reproducibility were exhibited by the sensor. Moreover, we have tested practical feasibility of sensor by carrying out real sample analysis on different water samples.

A down converting serine-functionalised NaYF4:Ce3+/Gd3+/Eu3+@NaGdF4:Tb3+ photoluminescent probe for chemical sensing of explosive nitroaromatic compounds

In this contribution, we explored a novel serine-functionalised NaYF₄:Ce³⁺/Gd³⁺/Eu³⁺@NaGdF₄:Tb³⁺ core–shell nanophosphor as a down-converting photoluminescent probe for efficient sensing of nitroaromatic explosives.

Developing green sonochemical approaches towards the synthesis of highly integrated and interconnected carbon nanofiber decorated with Sm2O3 nanoparticles and their use in the electrochemical detection of toxic 4-nitrophenol

Highly integrated and interconnected carbon nanofiber hybrid nanofibers decorated with samarium(III) oxide (Sm₂O₃ NPs) nanoparticles was synthesized by ultrasound assisted method and characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x-rays (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrocatalytic activity (ECA) was monitored by detection of toxic 4-nitrophenol under phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The sonochemical route employed was efficient to prepare Sm₂O₃ NPs modified electrode and this class of catalysts might be active electrocatalyst for the detection of 4-nitrophenol in drinking water. The screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with Sm₂O₃ NPs@f-CNFs was fabricated in a facile way for the sensitively electrochemical determination of 4-nitrophenol. Under optimized preparation conditions, the electrochemical testing (differential pulse voltammetry) of 4-nitrophenol exhibited a reduction peak at -0.64 V. Compared with bare SPCE, Sm₂O₃ NPs, f-CNFs, Sm₂O₃ NPs@f-CNFs modified SPCE showed highest current response. The reduction peaks current vs the concentration of 4-nitrophenol exhibits a linear relation with the concentration range from 0.02 to 387.2 μM and the limit of detection was determined to be M (S/N = 3). In addition, Sm₂O₃ NPs@f-CNFs was contributed to detecting 4-nitrophenol in drinking water and river water samples with the recover ranging from 95.6% to 98.2%.

Fabrication of Ag@Co-Al Layered Double Hydroxides Reinforced poly(o-phenylenediamine) Nanohybrid for Efficient Electrochemical Detection of 4-Nitrophenol, 2,4-Dinitrophenol and Uric acid at Nano Molar Level

In this paper, Co-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs), Co-Al LDHs/poly(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) and Ag nanoparticles decorated Co-Al LDHs/PoPD (Ag@Co-Al LDH/PoPD) samples were prepared. The as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, Raman, XPS, FT-IR, DRS-UV-Vis, PL and TGA techniques. The salient features of morphology and size of the samples were determined using FESEM, and HR-TEM. Then, the samples were coated on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and employed for sensing of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP)) and uric acid (UA). It was found that Ag@Co-Al LDH/PoPD/GCE showed superior electrochemical sensing behaviour than other modified electrodes. It exhibits the detection limit (DL) of 63 nM, 50 nM and 0.28 µM for 4-NP, 2,4-DNP and UA respectively.

A versatile ratiometric electrochemical sensing platform based on N-Mo2C for detection of m-nitrophenol

M-nitrophenol (m-NP) is a high priority environmental pollutant and poses a series of threats on human health. Accurate and rapid detection of m-NP in practical samples is very important as this is the key prerequisite for its effective monitoring. Eelectrochemical sensor, though long serving as highly sensitive and fast analytical tool, suffers from the bottleneck problems like low specificity, poor reproducibility, susceptibility to internal and external disturbances, etc. Herein, we developed a ratiometric electrochemical sensor (R-ECS) for m-NP detection, in which nitrogen-doped Mo₂C (N-Mo₂C) was deployed as the sensing agent and methylene blue (MB) as the internal reference. Full characterization of N-Mo₂C was carried out in the aspects of morphology, composition, chemical bonds and electrochemical behavior, and the sensing performance of the easy-to-operate R-ECS was evaluated. Complete separation of the oxidation peaks of m-NP and MB was achieved using the MB/N-Mo₂C composite modified electrode and their ratiometric signals were adopted for quantification of m-NP. The linear relation between the electrical signal and the concentration of m-NP is in the range of 1-1500 μM, with the detection limit of 0.256 μM (S/N = 3). The sensor was applied to measure m-NP in real samples from tap water and river. Experimental results demonstrate that it exhibits decent repeatability, reproducibility, stability and selectivity, which proves its great practical potential as an analytical detector.