Development of Palladium on Bismuth Sulfide Nanorods as a Bifunctional Nanomaterial for Efficient Electrochemical Detection and Photoreduction of Hg(II) Ions

Nano-palladium-decorated bismuth sulfide microspheres on a disposable electrode integrated with smartphone-based electrochemical detection of nitrite in food samples

Nitrite (NO2-) is widely used as an additive to extend the shelf life of food products. Excessive nitrite intake not only causes blood-related diseases but also has the potential risk of causing cancers. A disposable screen-printed electrode was modified with nano‑palladium decorated bismuth sulfide microspheres (nanoPd@Bi2S3MS/SPE), and integrated with a smartphone-interfaced potentiostat to develop a portable, electrochemical nitrite sensor. NanoPd@Bi2S3MS was prepared by the hydrothermal reduction of a Bi2S3MS and Pd2+ dispersion and drop cast on the SPE. The nanoPd@Bi2S3MS/SPE was coupled with a smartphone-controlled portable potentiostat and applied to determine nitrite in food samples. The linear range of the sensor was 0.01-500 μM and the limit of detection was 0.0033 μM. The proposed system showed good repeatability, reproducibility, catalytic stability, and immunity to interferences. The proposed electrode material and a smartphone-based small potentiostat created a simple, portable, fast electrochemical sensing system that accurately measured nitrite in food samples.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of a Eu3+-functionalized ZnII coordination polymer as a fluorescent dual detection probe for highly sensitive recognition of HgII and L-Cys

A new ZnII coordination polymer (CP) based on 2,3-pyrazine dicarboxylic acid (H2pzdc) and 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) (ZCP) was synthesized using a facile slow evaporation method. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that ZCP is a two-dimensional porous CP, [Zn2(pzdc)2(bpy)(H2O)2]n, with van der Waals forces as the dominant interaction within its layers forming a 63 network. Employing energetic ultrasound irradiation, nanoscale ZCP (nZCP) was successfully synthesized and Eu3+ ions were incorporated within its host lattice (Eu@nZCP). The resulting platform exhibits superior fluorescence characteristics and demonstrates notable optical durability. Therefore, it was used as a dual detection fluorescent sensing platform for the detection of mercury and L-cysteine (L-Cys) in aqueous media through a turn-off/on strategy. In the turn-off process, the fluorescence emission of Eu@nZCP progressively quenches by the addition of HgII via a photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. The fluorescence of Eu@nZCP is quenched to establish a low fluorescence background through the incorporation of HgII. This devised turn-on fluorescent system is suitable for the recognition of L-Cys (based on the strong affinity of L-Cys to the HgII ion) through a quencher detachment mechanism. This method attained a relatively wide linear range, spanning from 0.001 to 25 µM, with the low detection limit of 5 nM for the sensing of HgII. Also, the corresponding limit of detection (LOD) for L-Cys is 8 nM in a relatively wide linear range, spanning from 0.001 to 40 µM.

Bismuth sulfide micro flowers decorated nickel foam as a promising electrochemical sensor for quantitative analysis of melamine in bottled milk samples

Here, we demonstrate hydrothermally grown bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) micro flowers decorated nickel foam (NF) for electrochemical detection of melamine in bottled milk samples. The orthorhombic phase of hydrothermally grown Bi2S3is confirmed by the detailed characterization of x-ray diffraction and its high surface area micro flowers-like morphology is investigated via field emission scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the surface chemical oxidation state and binding energy of Bi2S3/NF micro flowers is analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. The sensor exhibits a wide linear range of detection from 10 ng l-1to 1 mg l-1and a superior sensitivity of 3.4 mA cm-2to melamine using differential pulse voltammetry technique, with a lower limit of detection (7.1 ng l-1). The as-fabricated sensor is highly selective against interfering species of p-phenylenediamine (PPDA), cyanuric acid (CA), aniline, ascorbic acid, glucose (Glu), and calcium ion (Ca2+). Real-time analysis done in milk by the standard addition method shows an excellent recovery percentage of ̴ 98%. The sensor's electrochemical mechanism studies reveal that the high surface area bismuth sulfide micro flowers surface interacts strongly with melamine molecules through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, resulting in a significant change in the sensor's electrical properties while 3D skeletal Nickel foam as a substrate provides stability, enhances its catalytic activity by providing a more number /of active sites and facilitates rapid electron transfer. The work presented here confirms Bi2S3/NF as a high-performance electrode that can be used for the detection of other biomolecules used in clinical diagnosis and biomedical research.

Sensitive quantification of mercury ions in real water systems based on an aggregation-collision electrochemical detection

Nanoparticle impact electrochemistry (NIE) is an emerging electroanalytical technique that has been utilized to the sensitive detection of a wide range of biological species. So far, the NIE based trace ion detection is largely unexplored due to the lack of effective signal amplification strategies. We herein develop an NIE-based electrochemical sensing platform that utilizes T-Hg2+-T coordination induced AgNP aggregation to detect Hg2+ in aqueous solution. The proposed aggregation-collision strategy enables highly sensitive and selective detection. A dual-mode analysis based on the change in impact frequency and oxidative charge of the anodic oxidation of the AgNPs in NIE allows for more accurate self-validated quantification. Furthermore, the current NIE-based sensor demonstrates reliable analysis of Hg2+ of real water samples, showing great potential for practical environmental monitoring and point-of-care testing (POCT) applications.

Hierarchical porous loofah-like carbon with sulfhydryl functionality for electrochemical detection of trace mercury in water

Mercury is a common contaminant found in natural waters, which is highly toxic to human health. Thus, the facile and reliable monitoring of mercury in waters is of great significance. In this study, we fabricated a novel loofah-like hierarchical porous carbon with sulfhydryl functionality (S-LHC), and applied it as an ultrasensitive sensor for the electrochemical detection of mercury in water. The S-LHC was prepared through the direct pyrolysis of a triazole-rich metal-organic framework (MOF), followed by chemical modification using thioglycolic acid. The highly conductive N-doped carbon framework of S-LHC facilitated the electron transfer in mercury electrochemical sensing. Meanwhile, the open hierarchical pore structure and abundant sulfhydryl groups allowed the fast diffusion and effective enrichment of mercury ions. Consequently, the S-LHC sensor exhibited an exceptionally high sensitivity for mercury ions, with the mercury detection limit (0.36 nM) orders of magnitude lower than the regulated values in drinking water (typically 10∼30 nM). The constructed sensor also afforded good anti-interference ability and excellent stability for long-term detection of mercury in a variety of complex real water samples. The present study provides not only a facile method for mercury detection, but also a new idea for the construction of highly sensitive electrochemical sensors.

Fabrication of S and O-incorporated graphitic carbon nitride linked poly(1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-dithiol) film for selective sensing of Hg2+ ions in water, fish, and crab samples

Screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) were modified with sulfur and oxygen-incorporated graphitic carbon nitride (S, O-GCN) linked poly(1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-dithiol) film (PTD) through thioester linkage. The promising interaction between the Hg²⁺ and modified materials containing sulfur as well as oxygen through strong affinity was studied. This study was utilized for the electrochemical selective sensing of Hg²⁺ ions by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). After, optimizing the different experimental parameters, S, O-GCN@PTD-SPCE was used to improve the electrochemical signal of Hg²⁺ ions and achieved a concentration range of 0.05-390 nM with a detection limit of 13 pM. The real-world application of the electrode was studied in different water, fish, and crab samples and their obtained results were confirmed with Inductive Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) studies. Additionally, this work established a facile and consistent technique for enhancing the electrochemical sensing of Hg²⁺ ions and discusses various promising applications in water and food quality analysis.

A three-in-one hybrid nanozyme for sensitive colorimetric biosensing of pathogens

Pathogen screening is an important step in preventing foodborne diseases. In this study, a hybrid nanozyme, metal organic framework decorated with palladium (Pd) and platinum (Pt) (MIL-88@Pd/Pt), was innovatively synthesized and used with immune magnetic nanobeads (MNBs) for sensitive biosensing of Salmonella. First, immune MIL-88@Pd/Pt nanozymes and immune MNBs were mixed with target pathogens in a large-volume sample, resulting in effective isolation and specific label of target pathogens to form nanobead-Salmonella-nanozyme conjugates. Then, these conjugates were used to catalyze H₂O₂-TMB, and its color was changed from colorless to blue. Finally, catalysate absorption was measured to determine pathogen concentration. This colorimetric immunoassay could determine Salmonella typhimurium from 4 × 10¹ to 4 × 10⁵ CFU/mL in 60 min with a detection limit of 32 CFU/mL.

Simple pyrolysis of graphene-wrapped PtNi nanoparticles supported on hierarchically N-doped porous carbon for sensitive detection of carbendazim

A novel electrochemical sensor was established based on graphene-wrapped PtNi nanoparticles supported on three-dimensional (3D) N-doped porous carbon (G-PtNi/3D-NPC) for the highly sensitive and selective detection of carbendazim (CBZ). In this sensing system, the encapsulation of PtNi nanoparticles (NPs) by graphene can effectively prevent the aggregation tendency and enhance the structural stability. The hierarchically porous nanostructures have a large specific surface area to expose a large number of active sites and the resulting enhanced electrical conductivity ultimate improves the electrocatalytic activity towards CBZ. Under the optimal conditions, the prepared sensor showed excellent electrochemical responses for the determination of CBZ with a linear range of 0.5-30 μM and lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 μM (S/N = 3). It also shows excellent anti-interference ability at a working potential of 0.74 V. The feasibility of the senor is demonstrated for its practical assays in diluted peach and vegetable samples with acceptable recovery (95.8-97.3 %, peach; 97.2-97.6 %, vegetable) and a relative standard deviation (RSD) below 2.3%.

Colorimetric method transforms into highly sensitive homogeneous voltammetric sensing strategy for mercury ion based on mercury-stimulated Ti3C2Tx MXene nanoribbons@gold nanozyme activity

Nanozymes were emerged as the next generation of enzyme-mimics which exhibit great applications in various fields, but there is rarely report in the electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions. In this work, Ti₃C₂T_x MXene nanoribbons@gold (Ti₃C₂T_x MNR@Au) nanohybrid was prepared firstly via a simple self-reduction process and its nanozyme activity was studied. The results showed the peroxidase-like activity of bare Ti₃C₂T_x MNR@Au is extremely weak, while in the presence of Hg²⁺, the related nanozyme activity is stimulated and improved remarkably, which can easily catalyze oxidation of several colorless substrates (e.g., o-phenylenediamine) to form colored products. Interestingly, the product of o-phenylenediamine exhibits a strong reduction current which is considerably sensitive to the Hg²⁺ concentration. Based on this phenomenon, an innovative and highly sensitive homogeneous voltammetric (HVC) sensing strategy was then proposed to detect Hg²⁺ via transforming the colorimetric method into electrochemistry since it can exhibit several unique advantages (e.g., rapid responsiveness, high sensitivity and quantificational). Compared to the conventional electrochemical sensing methods for Hg²⁺, the designed HVC strategy can avoid the modification processes of electrode coupled with enhanced sensing performances. Therefore, we expect the as-proposed nanozyme-based HVC sensing strategy provides a new development direction for detecting Hg²⁺ and other heavy metals.

Recent Development Strategies for Bismuth-Driven Materials in Sustainable Energy Systems and Environmental Restoration

Bismuth(Bi)-based materials have gained considerable attention in recent decades for use in a diverse range of sustainable energy and environmental applications due to their low toxicity and eco-friendliness. Bi materials are widely employed in electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices, exhibiting excellent catalytic and non-catalytic performance, as well as CO₂ /N₂ reduction and water treatment systems. A variety of Bi materials, including its oxides, chalcogenides, oxyhalides, bismuthates, and other composites, have been developed for understanding their physicochemical properties. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the properties of individual Bi material systems and their use in a range of applications is provided. This review highlights the implementation of novel strategies to modify Bi materials based on morphological and facet control, doping/defect inclusion, and composite/heterojunction formation. The factors affecting the development of different classes of Bi materials and how their control differs between individual Bi compounds are also described. In particular, the development process for these material systems, their mass production, and related challenges are considered. Thus, the key components in Bi compounds are compared in terms of their properties, design, and applications. Finally, the future potential and challenges associated with Bi complexes are presented as a pathway for new innovations.

In situ synthesis of polythiophene encapsulated 2D hexagonal boron nitride nanocomposite based electrochemical transducer for detection of 5-fluorouracil with high selectivity

It is difficult for the scientific community to develop a nonenzymatic sensing platform for extremely sensitive and selective detection of specific biomolecules, antibiotics, food adulterants, heavy metals, etc. One of the most significant chemotherapy drugs, 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), which is used to treat solid malignancies, has a fluorine atom in the fifth position of the uracil molecule. Recognizing the secure and effective dosing of drugs for chemotherapy continues to be a critical concern in cancer disease management. The maintenance of the optimal 5-Fu concentration is dependent on the presence of 5-Fu in biofluids. Herein we reported a conducting polymer encapsulated 2D material, PTh/h-BN for the efficient electrochemical detection of anticancer drug 5-Fu. Furthermore, the synthesized PTh/h-BN nanocomposite was confirmed by the High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM), High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HR-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The electrical resistance of PTh/h-BN modified GCE and its sensing performance towards 5-Fu were tested using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) studies respectively. The analytical performance of our proposed catalyst was tested using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), and the amperometry (i-t curve) method. From the results, our proposed PTh/h-BN nanocomposite-modified GCE shows enhanced sensing performance due to higher redox peak currents, large active surface area, and high electrical conductivity. Moreover, the nanohybrid shows enhanced sensing performances with quick response time, wide linear range, the lowest limit of detection, high sensitivity, and high selectivity in the presence of various interferents. Finally, the practical applicability of the proposed sensor was tested with real-world samples with very good recovery percentages.

Photocatalytic Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium Using Cu3.21Bi4.79S9/g-C3N4 Nanocomposite

The photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), to the trivalent species, Cr(III), has continued to inspire the synthesis of novel photocatalysts that are capable of achieving the task of converting Cr(VI) to the less toxic and more useful species. In this study, a novel functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (Cu3.21Bi4.79S9/gC3N4) was synthesized and characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The composite was used for the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), under visible light irradiation. A 92.77% efficiency of the reduction was achieved at pH 2, using about 10 mg of the photocatalyst and 10 mg/L of the Cr(VI) solution. A pseudo-first-order kinetic study indicated 0.0076 min−1, 0.0286 min−1, and 0.0393 min−1 rate constants for the nanoparticles, pristine gC3N4, and the nanocomposite, respectively. This indicated an enhancement in the rate of reduction by the functionalized gC3N4 by 1.37- and 5.17-fold compared to the pristine gC3N4 and Cu3.21Bi4.79S9, respectively. A study of how the presence of other contaminants including dye (bisphenol A) and heavy-metal ions (Ag(I) and Pb(II)) in the system affects the photocatalytic process showed a reduction in the rate from 0.0393 min−1 to 0.0019 min−1 and 0.0039 min−1, respectively. Finally, the radical scavenging experiments showed that the main active species for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) are electrons (e−), hydroxyl radicals (·OH−), and superoxide (·O2−). This study shows the potential of functionalized gC3N4 as sustainable materials in the removal of hexavalent Cr from an aqueous solution.

Review of the Design of Ruthenium-Based Nanomaterials and Their Sensing Applications in Electrochemistry

In this review, ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs)-based functional nanomaterials have attractive electrocatalytic characteristics and they offer considerable potential in a number of fields. Ru-based binary or multimetallic NPs are widely utilized for electrode modification because of their unique electrocatalytic properties, enhanced surface-area-to-volume ratio, and synergistic effect between two metals provides as an effective improved electrode sensor. This perspective review suggests the current research and development of Ru-based nanomaterials as a platform for electrochemical (EC) sensing of harmful substances, biomolecules, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollutants. The advantages and limitations of mono-, bi-, and multimetallic Ru-based nanocomposites for EC sensors are discussed. Besides, the relevant EC properties and analyte sensing approaches are also presented. On the basis of these insights, we highlighted recent results for synthesizing techniques and EC environmental pollutant sensors from the perspectives of diverse supports, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, silica, semiconductors, metal sulfides, and polymers. Finally, this work overviews the modern improvements in the utilization of Ru-based nanocomposites on the basis for electroanalytical sensors as well as suggestions for the field's future development.

Tetrahedral DNA-directed core-satellite assembly as SERS sensor for mercury ions at the single-particle level

To monitor the deteriorating mercury emissions, it is imperative to propose methods for detecting mercury ions (Hg²⁺) with sensitivity and selectivity. The SERS spectral-resolved single-particle detection approach can be carried out using dark-field optical microscopy (DFM) combined with Raman spectroscopy. Herein, we have designed a novel yet convenient single-particle detection assay for quantifying Hg²⁺ using DFM-correlated Raman spectroscopy. In the assay, a tetrahedral DNA-directed core-satellite nanostructure is used as the SERS probe. Especially, one edge of the tetrahedron is made up of a single-stranded DNA containing a Hg²⁺ aptamer, which reconfigures upon the specific recognition of Hg²⁺. As a result, the interparticle distance reduces from 4.5 to 1.2 nm, thus generating Raman signal enhancement. As a proof of concept, Hg²⁺ was detected in a linear range from 1 to 100 nM based on the variation in SERS intensity. Furthermore, the experimental results were supported by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) calculations. Owing to its high sensitivity and selectivity, this method was further employed to detect Hg²⁺ in practical tap water and lake water samples, revealing that the single-particle detection strategy holds great promise for Hg²⁺ analysis in real environment analysis.