One-step electrochemical sensor based on an integrated probe toward sub-ppt level Pb²⁺ detection by fast scan...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Lead ions (Pb2+) pose significant environmental and health risks.
• Sensitive and selective detection methods for Pb2+ are crucial for environmental monitoring.
• Existing methods can be complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a one-step electrochemical sensor for the selective and sensitive detection of lead ions (Pb2+).
• To integrate sample pre-enrichment, separation, and determination into a single, rapid process.
• To create a sensor with potential for practical applications in water quality analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an integrated probe using meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphine (TCPP)-modified magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (@Fe3O4).
• Utilizing TCPP's chelating properties for Pb2+ selectivity and MWCNTs for conductivity and adsorption.
• Employing fast scan voltammetry (FSV) for enhanced detection sensitivity.
• Optimizing sensor performance through orthogonal experiments (adsorption time, probe dosage, pH).

Main Results:

• A good linear relationship was observed between peak current and Pb2+ concentration from 2.0 × 10-4 μg L-1 to 2.0 × 10-3 μg L-1.
• The limit of detection (LOD) achieved was 6.7 × 10-5 μg L-1 (0.067 ppt), indicating high sensitivity.
• The sensor demonstrated successful analysis of actual water samples, highlighting its practical viability.
• The integrated probe enabled a fast, simple, and selective detection process.

Conclusions:

• The developed one-step electrochemical sensor based on TCPP-MWCNTs@Fe3O4 is highly effective for Pb2+ detection.
• The sensor offers significant advantages in terms of speed, simplicity, selectivity, and sensitivity.
• This technology shows great potential for real-world applications in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment.