Dual-nanomaterial based electrode for voltammetric stripping of trace Fe(II) in coastal waters

In this work, a dual-nanomaterial based electrode was established for selective and sensitive detection of trace Fe(II) in the presence of complexing agent (2,2'-bipyridyl). Titanium carbide nanoparticles (TiCNPs) were used as the growth-template for the formation of three-dimensional platinum nanoflowers (PtNFs) due to their unique cubic structures. Nafion was employed as the conducting matrix to help TiCNPs better attached onto the surface of the electrode and slow down the crystal rate of PtNFs during electrodeposition, which resulted in flower structure and more active surface of PtNFs. Taking advantage of synergistic effects of TiCNPs and Nafion as well as the catalytic amplifying effect of PtNFs, the excellent anodic signal responses for the voltammetric stripping determination of Fe(II) were obtained. The linear range of Fe(II) on this dual-nanomaterial based electrode was from 1nmolL(-1) to 6μmolL(-1) with the lowest detectable concentration of 0.1nmolL(-1) and a detection limit of 0.03nmolL(-1). Additionally, the effect of several experimental parameters, such as concentration and pH value of buffer solution, concentration of modifier and ligand, deposition potential and time of electrochemical determination, and scan rate were studied for analytical applications. The fabricated sensor had been successfully applied for the sensitive determination of trace Fe(II) in coastal waters.