A novel composite of reduced graphene oxide and molecularly imprinted polymer for electrochemical sensing 4-nitrophenol

Detection and treatment of mono and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants in aqueous environments based on electrochemical technology: recent advances

Mono and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are widely distributed and severely pollute the aqueous environment due to natural and human activities, particularly human activity. It is crucial to identify and address them in order to reduce the dangers and threats they pose to biological processes and ecosystems. In the fields of sensor detection and water treatment, electrochemistry plays a crucial role as a trustworthy and environmentally friendly technology. In order to accomplish trace detection while enhancing detection accuracy and precision, researchers have created and studied sensors using a range of materials based on electrochemical processes, and their results have demonstrated good performance. One cannot overlook the challenges associated with treating aromatic pollutants, including mono and polycyclic. Much work has been done and good progress has been achieved in order to address these challenges. This study discusses the mono and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon sensor detection and electrochemical treatment technologies for contaminants in the aqueous environment. Additionally mentioned are the sources, distribution, risks, hazards, and problems in the removal of pollutants. The obstacles to be overcome and the future development plans of the field are then suggested by summarizing and assessing the research findings of the researchers.

Development of a molecularly imprinted polymer on silanized graphene oxide for the detection of 17-estradiol in wastewater

This research article demonstrates the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on the surface of silanized graphene oxide (silanized GO), which is nanostructured and used to quantify 17-estradiol (E2) in wastewater. As characterization methods, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, dynamic scattering light (DSL), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized to examine the synthesized GO, silanized GO, MIP-GO composite, and non-imprinted polymer (NIP)-GO (NIP-GO) composite. FTIR results confirmed the successful synthesis of GO composites. Raman study confirmed the synthesis of monolayer silanized GO, MIP-GO composite, and NIP-GO composite. Surface morphology revealed that after polymerization, the surface of silanized GO sheet-like morphology is covered with nanoparticles. Adsorption kinetics studies revealed that adsorption follows the pseudo-second-order kinetics. Further, we studied the performance of a MIP-GO-based sensor by optimizing the effects of pH, scan rate, and incubation period. The linear calibration was achieved between the oxidation peak current and E2 concentration from 0.1 to 0.81 ppm, with a detection limit of 0.037 ppm. The selectivity of the MIP-GO composite was also checked by using other estrogens, and it was found that E2 is 3.3, 0.5, and 1.4 times more selective than equilin, estriol, and estrone, respectively. The composite was successfully applied to the wastewater samples for the detection of E2, and a good percentage of recoveries were achieved. It suggests that the reported composite can be applied to real samples. PRACTITIONER POINTS: An innovative electrochemical sensor was developed for selective detection of 17-estradiol through molecularly imprinted polymer fabricated on the surface of silanized GO (MIP-GO composite). The developed method was comprehensively validated and found to be linear in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 ppm of 17-estradiol, with 0.037 ppm of limit of detection and 0.1 ppm of limit of quantification, respectively. The developed MIP-GO-composite-based electrochemical sensor was found 3.3, 0.5, and 1.4 times more selective for 17-estradiol than equiline, estriol, and estrone, respectively. The applicability of a developed sensor was also checked on wastewater samples, and a good percent recovery was obtained.

Graphene oxide/cellulose nanofibril composite: A high-performance catalyst for the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor for quantification of p-nitrophenol, a hazardous water pollutant

The detection and quantification of p-Nitrophenol (p-NP) in environmental samples are important for understanding the extent and impact of environmental pollution, protecting human health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding remediation efforts. The main objective of this work was to investigate the electrochemical performance of a graphene oxide/cellulose nanofibril composite (GO/CNF) modified carbon paste electrode (GO/CNF/CPE) for the sensitive and reliable detection of p-nitrophenol in water samples. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique was employed to enlighten the structure of nanocomposites. The electrochemical behavior of the fabricated electrochemical sensor was characterized via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under optimized analytical conditions, the peak current of the analyte showed a wide linear relationship with its concentration in a range of 3.0 nM-210 μM with a low amount of the limit of detection (LOD) value of 0.8 nM determined by the DPV method. The proposed electrochemical sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy metrics in real sample analysis of p-nitrophenol.

Laser-induced graphene-based electrochemical biosensors for environmental applications: a perspective

Biosensors are miniaturized devices that provide the advantage of in situ and point-of-care monitoring of analytes of interest. Electrochemical biosensors use the mechanism of oxidation-reduction reactions and measurement of corresponding electron transfer as changes in current, voltage, or other parameters using different electrochemical techniques. The use of electrochemically active materials is critical for the effective functioning of electrochemical biosensors. Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has garnered increasing interest in biosensor development and improvement due to its high electrical conductivity, specific surface area, and simple and scalable fabrication process. The effort of this perspective is to understand the existing classes of analytes and the mechanisms of their detection using LIG-based biosensors. The manuscript has highlighted the potential use of LIG, its modifications, and its use with various receptors for sensing various environmental pollutants. Although the conventional graphene-based sensors effectively detect trace levels for many analytes in different applications, the chemical and energy-intensive fabrication and time-consuming processes make it imperative to explore a low-cost and scalable option such as LIG for biosensors production. The focus of these potential biosensors has been kept on detection analytes of environmental significance such as heavy metals ions, organic and inorganic compounds, fertilizers, pesticides, pathogens, and antibiotics. The use of LIG directly as an electrode, its modifications with nanomaterials and polymers, and its combination with bioreceptors such as aptamers and polymers has been summarized. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis has also been done to understand the viability of incorporating LIG-based electrochemical biosensors for environmental applications.

Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of 4-Nitrophenol with PEDOT:PSS Modified Pt NPs-Embedded PPy-CB@ZnO Nanocomposites

In this study, a selective 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) sensor was developed onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as an electron-sensing substrate, which decorated with sol-gel, prepared Pt nanoparticles- (NPs) embedded polypyrole-carbon black (PPy-CB)/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) using differential pulse voltammetry. Characterizations of the NCs were performed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD). The GCE modified by conducting coating binders [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate; PEDOT:PSS] based on Pt NPs/PPy-CB/ZnO NCs functioned as the working electrode and showed selectivity toward 4-NP in a phosphate buffer medium at pH 7.0. Our analysis of 4-NP showed the linearity from 1.5 to 40.5 µM, which was identified as the linear detection range (LDR). A current versus concentration plot was formed and showed a regression co-efficient R² of 0.9917, which can be expressed by i_p(µA) = 0.2493C(µM) + 15.694. The 4-NP sensor sensitivity was calculated using the slope of the LDR, considering the surface area of the GCE (0.0316 cm²). The sensitivity was calculated as 7.8892 µAµM^-1cm^-2. The LOD (limit of detection) of the 4-NP was calculated as 1.25 ± 0.06 µM, which was calculated from 3xSD/σ (SD: Standard deviation of blank response; σ: Slope of the calibration curve). Limit of quantification (LOQ) is also calculated as 3.79 µM from LOQ = 10xLOD/3.3. Sensor parameters such as reproducibility, response time, and analyzing stability were outstanding. Therefore, this novel approach can be broadly used to safely fabricate selective 4-NP sensors based on nanoparticle-decorated nanocomposite materials in environmental measurement.

Activated Glassy Carbon Electrode as an Electrochemical Sensing Platform for the Determination of 4-Nitrophenol and Dopamine in Real Samples

Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was electrochemically activated using a repetitive cyclic voltammetric technique to develop an activated glassy carbon electrode (AGCE). The developed AGCE was optimized and utilized for the electrochemical assay of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and dopamine (DA). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to investigate the electrochemical behavior of the AGCE. Compared to the bare GCE, the developed AGCE exhibits a significant increase in redox peak currents of 4-NP and DA, which indicates that the AGCE significantly improves the electrocatalytic reduction of 4-NP and oxidation of DA. The electrochemical signature of the activation process could be directly associated with the formation of oxygen-containing surface functional groups (OxSFGs), which are the main reason for the improved electron transfer ability and the enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity of the AGCE. The effects of various parameters on the voltammetric responses of the AGCE toward 4-NP and DA were studied and optimized, including the pH, scan rate, and accumulation time. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was also utilized to investigate the analytical performance of the AGCE sensing platform. The optimized AGCE exhibited linear responses over the concentration ranges of 0.04-65 μM and 65-370 μM toward 4-NP with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.02 μM (S/N = 3). Additionally, the AGCE exhibited a linear responses over the concentration ranges of 0.02-1.0 and 1.0-100 μM toward DA with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 μM (S/N = 3). Moreover, the developed AGCE-based 4-NP and DA sensors are distinguished by their high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and repeatability. The developed sensors were successfully applied for the determination of 4-NP and DA in real samples with satisfactory recovery results.

Voltammetric determination of acetaminophen in pharmaceutical preparations and human urine using glassy carbon paste electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide

A completely new direct voltammetric method has been developed for determination of acetaminophen (APAP), known as popular analgesic drug. The present electroanalytical method is based on anodic oxidation of APAP at the glassy carbon paste electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Key experimental conditions were studied, resulting in a set of optimal conditions: acetate buffer (pH 5.0) as working medium electrolyte, content of RGO, parameters of squarewave voltammetry including the potential step of 5 mV, potential amplitude of 50 mV, and frequency of 40 Hz. If peak area is used for evaluation, a linear range from 1.2 × 10^–6 to 2.2 × 10^–4 mol L⁻¹ characterized by determination coefficient of 0.9971, limits of quantification and detection, 9.3 × 10^–7 mol L⁻¹ and 3.1 × 10^–7 mol L⁻¹, respectively, will be obtained. Under validation, the precision was described by relative standard deviation of 2.9% for the model sample analysis. Finally, the developed voltammetric method was compared with a reference high-performance liquid chromatography method in the analysis of commercially available pharmaceutical preparation and human urine collected from five healthy volunteers.

Molecularly imprinted polymers for selective extraction/microextraction of cancer biomarkers: A review

Over recent years, great efforts have been extensively documented in top scientific journals on the development of methods for early diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancers which are prevalent critical diseases with a high mortality rate among men and women. The determination of cancer biomarkers using different optimum methodologies is one of the finest options for achieving these goals with more precision, speed, and at a lower cost than traditional clinical procedures. In this regard, while focusing on specific biomarkers, molecularly imprinted technology has enabled novel diagnostic techniques for a variety of diseases. Due to the well-known advantages of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), this review focuses on the current trends of MIPs-based extraction/microextraction methods, specifically targeting cancer biomarkers from various matrices. These optimized methods have demonstrated high selectivity, accuracy, sorbent reusability, extraction recovery, and low limits of detection and quantification for a variety of cancer biomarkers, which are a powerful tool to provide early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring, with potential clinical application expected soon. This review highlights the key progress, specific modifications, and strategies used for MIP synthesis. The future perspectives for cancer biomarkers purification and determination by fabricating MIP-based techniques are also discussed.

An Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Material and PEI Composites for Sensitive Detection of 4-Nitrophenol

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with nitrogen-doped carbon materials (NC) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) composites to design an electrochemical sensor for detecting 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The NC materials were prepared by a simple and economical method through the condensation and carbonization of formamide. The NC materials were dispersed in a polyethyleneimine (PEI) solution easily. Due to the excellent properties of NC and PEI as well as their synergistic effect, the electrochemical reduction of the 4-NP on the surface of the NC-PEI composite modified electrode was effectively enhanced. Under the optimized conditions, at 0.06-10 μM and 10-100 μM concentration ranges, the NC-PEI/GCE sensor shows a linear response to 4-NP, and the detection limit is 0.01 μM (the signal-to-noise ratio is three). The reliability of the sensor for the detection of 4-NP in environmental water samples was successfully evaluated. In addition, the sensor has many advantages, including simple preparation, fast response, high sensitivity and good repeatability. It may be helpful for potential applications in detecting other targets.

Enzymatic electrochemical biosensor for glyphosate detection based on acid phosphatase inhibition

A novel enzymatic electrochemical biosensor was fabricated for the indirect detection of glyphosate-based acid phosphatase inhibition. The biosensor was constructed on a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with silver nanoparticles, decorated with electrochemically reduced graphene oxide, and chemically immobilized with acid phosphatase via glutaraldehyde cross-linking. We measured the oxidation current by chronoamperometry. The current arose from the enzymatic reaction of acid phosphatase and the enzyme-substrate disodium phenyl phosphate. The biosensing response is a decrease in signal resulting from inhibition of acid phosphatase in the presence of glyphosate inhibitor. The inhibition of acid phosphatase by glyphosate was investigated as a reversible competitive-type reaction based on the Lineweaver-Burk equation. Computational docking confirmed that glyphosate was the inhibitor bound in the substrate-binding pocket of acid phosphatase and that it was able to inhibit the enzyme efficiently. Additionally, the established method was applied to the selective analysis of glyphosate in actual samples with satisfactory results following a standard method.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Sensors for Priority Pollutants

Globally, there is growing concern about the health risks of water and air pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a list of priority pollutants containing 129 different chemical compounds. All of these chemicals are of significant interest due to their serious health and safety issues. Permanent exposure to some concentrations of these chemicals can cause severe and irrecoverable health effects, which can be easily prevented by their early identification. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer great potential for selective adsorption of chemicals from water and air samples. These selective artificial bio(mimetic) receptors are promising candidates for modification of sensors, especially disposable sensors, due to their low-cost, long-term stability, ease of engineering, simplicity of production and their applicability for a wide range of targets. Herein, innovative strategies used to develop MIP-based sensors for EPA priority pollutants will be reviewed.

Novel construction of carbon nanofiber/CuCrO2 composite for selective determination of 4-nitrophenol in environmental samples and for supercapacitor application

A simple hydrothermal process has been used to prepare a carbon nanofiber/copper chromium dioxide (CNF/CuCrO₂) composite for the selective detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and supercapacitor applications. The electrochemical sensor was developed with a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with the CNF/CuCrO₂ composite by the drop-casting method. The structural formation of the prepared materials was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. To investigate the electrochemical efficiency of the electrode, various electroanalytical techniques, namely, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests, were employed. The GCE/CNF/CuCrO₂ modified electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic behavior for the detection of 4-NP under optimized conditions with a low detection limit (0.022 μM), long linear response range of 0.1–150 μM, and high sensitivity (20.02 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻²). The modified electrode was used for the detection of 4-NP in real samples with satisfactory results. In addition, the GCE/CNF/CuCrO₂ electrode has advantages such as stability, reproducibility, repeatability, reliability, low cost, and practical application. The CNF/CuCrO₂ composite coated Ni-foam electrodes also exhibited excellent supercapacitor efficiency, with a high specific capacitance of up to 159 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 5 A g⁻¹ and outstanding cycling stability. Hence, the CNF/CuCrO₂ composite is a suitable material for 4-NP sensors and energy storage applications.

A simple hydrothermal process has been used to prepare a carbon nanofiber/copper chromium dioxide (CNF/CuCrO₂) composite for the selective detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and supercapacitor applications.

Improving the Performance of Feather Keratin/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Tris(hydroxymethyl)Aminomethane Nanocomposite Films by Incorporating Graphene Oxide or Graphene

In this study, feather keratin/polyvinyl alcohol/tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (FK/PVA/Tris) bionanocomposite films containing graphene oxide (GO) (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 wt%) or graphene (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 wt%) were prepared using a solvent casting method. The scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the dispersion of GO throughout the film matrix was better than that of graphene. The successful formation of new hydrogen bonds between the film matrix and GO was confirmed through the use of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The tensile strength, elastic modulus, and initial degradation temperature of the films increased, whereas the total soluble mass, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, and light transmittance decreased following GO or graphene incorporation. In summary, nanoblending is an effective method to promote the application of FK/PVA/Tris-based blend films in the packaging field.

Preparation and applications of electrochemical chemosensors based on carbon-nanomaterial-modified molecularly imprinted polymers

The past few decades have witnessed a rapid development in electrochemical chemosensors (ECCSs). The integration of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) has endowed ECCSs with high selectivity and sensitivity toward target detection. Due to the integrated merits of MIPs and CNMs, CNM-modified MIPs as ECCSs have been widely reported and have excellent detection applications. This review systematically summarized the general categories, preparation strategies, and applications of ECCSs based on CNM-modified MIPs. The categories include CNM-modified MIPs often hybridized with various materials and CNM-encapsulated or CNM-combined imprinting silica and polymers on working electrodes or other substrates. The preparation strategies include the polymerization of MIPs on CNM-modified substrates, co-polymerization of MIPs and CNMs on substrates, drop-casting of MIPs on CNM-modified substrates, self-assembly of CNMs/MIP complexes on substrates, and so forth. We discussed the in situ polymerization, electro-polymerization, and engineering structures of CNM-modified MIPs. With regard to potential applications, we elaborated the detection mechanisms, signal transducer modes, target types, and electrochemical sensing of targets in real samples. In addition, this review discussed the present status, challenges, and prospects of CNM-modified MIP-based ECCSs. This comprehensive review is desirable for scientists from broad research fields and can promote the further development of MIP-based functional materials, CNM-based hybrid materials, advanced composites, and hybrid materials.

Electrochemical sensors based on molecularly imprinted polymers on Fe3O4/graphene modified by gold nanoparticles for highly selective and sensitive detection of trace ractopamine in water

A novel molecular imprinting polymer (MIP)-based electrochemical senor, consisting of Fe3O4 nanobeads and gold nanoparticles on a reduced graphene oxide (RGO) substrate, was fabricated to detect ractopamine (RAC) in water using the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique. The Au nanoparticles widely dispersed on RGO can significantly increase the response current for RAC detection in water, which is confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and theoretical calculations. By means of the differential pulse voltammetry technique, the as-prepared MIP-based electrode shows a dynamic linear range of 0.002 to 0.1 μM with a correlation coefficient of 0.992 and a remarkably low detection limit of 0.02 nM (S/N = 3). Additionally, the sensor exhibits high binding affinity and selectivity towards RAC with excellent reproducibility. Our study demonstrates the potential for the proposed electrochemical sensors in monitoring organic pollutants in water.

Facile synthesis of CoxP decorated porous carbon microspheres for ultrasensitive detection of 4-nitrophenol

A novel cobalt phosphide (Co_xP, a mixture of CoP and Co₂P) embedded within nitrogen-doped porous carbon microspheres was facilely prepared by pyrolysis of a composite precursor. The composite precursor was achieved by in-situ growth of Co-based zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) on the Zn(PO₄)_x microspheres. The as-prepared Co_xP decorated nitrogen-doped porous carbon microspheres (Co_xP/NC) possess uniform distribution of graphite-encapsulated Co_xP, a large surface area (826m²g^-1) and abundant mesopores. It was found the Co_xP/NC exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performances toward 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Therefore, Co_xP/NC was developed to fabricate an ultrasensitive electrochemical sensor for 4-NP by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). In comparison with glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) modified GCE, the Co_xP/NC modified GCE (Co_xP/NC/GCE) showed a remarkable increase in DPV current toward 4-NP. Under optimized condition, an ultrahigh sensitivity of 20.9 (μA μmol^-1 L) and a low detection limit of 2 × 10^-9molL^-1 (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, S/N = 3) for 4-NP were achieved. Additionally, the Co_xP/NC/GCE was successfully applied to detect 4-NP in tap water with good recoveries for its attractive selectivity and repeatability, which indicated that Co_xP/NC could be a promising candidate for analyzing 4-NP.

Current Progress of Nanomaterials in Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensing

Nanomaterials have received much attention during the past decade because of their excellent optical, electronic, and catalytic properties. Nanomaterials possess high chemical reactivity, also high surface energy. Thus, provide a stable immobilization platform for biomolecules, while preserving their reactivity. Due to the conductive and catalytic properties, nanomaterials can also enhance the sensitivity of molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors by amplifying the electrode surface, increasing the electron transfer, and catalyzing the electrochemical reactions. Molecularly imprinted polymers that contain specific molecular recognition sites can be designed for a particular target analyte. Incorporating nanomaterials into molecularly imprinted polymers is important because nanomaterials can improve the response signal, increase the sensitivity, and decrease the detection limit of the sensors. This study describes the classification of nanomaterials in molecularly imprinted polymers, their analytical properties, and their applications in the electrochemical sensors. The progress of the research on nanomaterials in molecularly imprinted polymers and the application of nanomaterials in molecularly imprinted polymers is also reviewed.

Pd nanospheres decorated reduced graphene oxide with multi-functions: Highly efficient catalytic reduction and ultrasensitive sensing of hazardous 4-nitrophenol pollutant

We illustrate a facile approach for in situ synthesis of Pd-gum arabic/reduced graphene oxide (Pd-GA/RGO) using GA as the reducing agent, which favors the instantaneous reduction of both Pd ions and GO into Pd nanoparticles (NPs) and RGO. From the morphological analysis of Pd-GA/RGO, we observed highly dispersed spherical 5nm Pd NPs decorated over RGO. The as-synthesized Pd-GA/RGO composite was employed for the catalytic reduction and the electrochemical detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), respectively. The catalytic reduction of 4-NP was highly pronounced for Pd-GA/RGO (5min) when compared to Pd NPs (140min) and Pd/RGO (36min). This enhanced catalytic activity was attributed to the synergistic effect of Pd NPs and the presence of various functional groups of GA. Significantly, the fabricated sensor offered a low detection limit (9fM) with a wider linear range (2-80 pM) and long-term stability. The simple construction technique, high sensitivity, and long-term stability with acceptable accuracy in wastewater samples were the main advantages of the developed sensor. The results indicated that the as-prepared Pd-GA/RGO exhibited better sensing ability than the other graphene-based modified electrodes. Therefore, the proposed sensor can be employed as a more convenient sensing platform for environmental and industrial pollutants.

Magnetite-platinum nanoparticles-modified glassy carbon electrode as electrochemical detector for nitrophenol isomers

A glassy carbon electrode was modified with magnetite and platinum nanoparticles stabilized with 3-n-propyl-4-picoline silsesquioxane chloride. This chemically-modified electrode is proposed for the first time for the individual or simultaneous electrochemical detection of nitrophenol isomers. Nanoparticles act as catalysts and also increase the surface area. The polymer stabilizes the particles and provides the electrochemical separation of isomers. Under optimized conditions, the reduction peak currents, obtained by differential-pulse voltammetry, of 2-, 3-, and 4-nitrophenol increased linearly with increases in their concentration in the range of 0.1-1.5μmolL^-1. In individual analysis, the detection limits were 33.7nmolL^-1, 45.3nmolL^-1 and 48.2nmolL^-1, respectively. Also, simultaneous analysis was possible for 2-, and 4-nitrophenol. In this case, the separation of the peak potentials was 0.138V and the detection limits were 69.6nmolL^-1 and 58.0nmolL^-1, respectively. These analytical figures of merit evidence the outstanding performance of the modified electrode, which was also successfully applied to the individual determination of isomers in environmental and biological samples. The magnetite and platinum nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode was able to detect nitrophenol isomers at the ppm level in rain water and human urine samples.

A facile molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on graphene: application to the selective determination of thiamethoxam in grain

In this study, we report a facile method for the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer based graphene for the electrochemical detection of thiamethoxam residue.

Fully solar-driven thermo- and electrochemistry for advanced oxidation processes (STEP-AOPs) of 2-nitrophenol wastewater

The STEP (Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process) for Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs, combined to STEP-AOPs), fully driven by solar energy without the input of any other forms of energy and chemicals, is introduced and demonstrated from the theory to experiments. Exemplified by the persistent organic pollutant 2-nitrophenol in water, the fundamental model and practical system are exhibited for the STEP-AOPs to efficiently transform 2-nitrophenol into carbon dioxide, water, and the other substances. The results show that the STEP-AOPs system performs more effectively than classical AOPs in terms of the thermodynamics and kinetics of pollutant oxidation. Due to the combination of solar thermochemical reactions with electrochemistry, the STEP-AOPs system allows the requisite electrolysis voltage of 2-nitrophenol to be experimentally decreased from 1.00 V to 0.84 V, and the response current increases from 18 mA to 40 mA. STEP-AOPs also greatly improve the kinetics of the oxidation at 30 °C and 80 °C. As a result, the removal rate of 2-nitrophenol after 1 h increased from 19.50% at 30 °C to 32.70% at 80 °C at constant 1.90 V. Mechanistic analysis reveals that the oxidation pathway is favorably changed because of thermal effects. The tracking of the reaction displayed that benzenediol and hydroquinone are initial products, with maleic acid and formic acid as sequential carboxylic acid products, and carbon dioxide as the final product. The theory and experiments on STEP-AOPs system exemplified by the oxidation of 2-nitrophenol provide a broad basis for extension of the STEP and AOPs for rapid and efficient treatment of organic wastewater.

Introduction of selectivity and specificity to graphene using an inimitable combination of molecular imprinting and nanotechnology

Recently, the nanostructured modified molecularly imprinting polymer has created a great attention in research field due to its excellent properties such as high surface to volume ratio, low cost, and easy preparation/handling. Among the nanostructured materials, the carbonaceous material such as 'graphene' has attracted the tremendous attention of researchers owing to their fascinating electrical, thermal and physical properties. In this review article, we have tried to explore as well as compile the role of graphene-based nanomaterials in the fabrication of imprinted polymers. In other words, herein the recent efforts made to introduce selectivity in graphene-based nanomaterials were tried collected together. The major concern of this review article is focused on the sensing devices fabricated via a combination of graphene, graphene@nanoparticles, graphene@carbon nanotubes and molecularly imprinted polymers. Additionally, the combination of graphene and quantum dots was also included to explore the fluorescence properties of zero-band-gap graphene.