Paper-Based Sensor Chip for Heavy Metal Ion Detection by SWSV

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Heavy metal ion pollution poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems.
• Accurate and accessible monitoring of heavy metal ions is essential for environmental protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, paper-based electrochemical sensor for detecting heavy metal ions.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance for copper ion (Cu²⁺) detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an electrochemical three-electrode system on nitrocellulose membrane (NC) using magnetron sputtering.
• Utilizing square-wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV) for heavy metal ion detection.
• Testing the sensor's linearity, limit of detection, and applicability for various metal ions (Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Bi³⁺).

Main Results:

• The paper-based sensor demonstrated good linearity for Cu²⁺ detection within specified ranges (99.58% and 98.87%).
• Achieved a low limit of detection of 2 μg·L^-1 for Cu²⁺, meeting the requirement of 10 μg·L^-1.
• The sensor also showed good linearity for detecting Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Bi³⁺.

Conclusions:

• The developed paper-based sensor is a small, inexpensive, and effective tool for heavy metal ion monitoring.
• The sensor's performance satisfies detection requirements, offering a practical solution for environmental analysis.
• The technology shows promise for the sensitive and selective detection of multiple heavy metal ions.