Selective detection of preferential activity of Lanthanum ion at zinc oxide functionalized nanochannel

A significant increase of rare earth transition metals concentration in water reservoirs caused by the dumping of household materials and petrol-producing industries is a potential threat to human and aquatic life. Here, we demonstrate a model nanofluidic channel for the Lanthanum (La³⁺) ions recognition. To this end, a single conical nanochannel is first modified with poly allylamine hydrochloride followed by immobilization of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles on the channel surface through electrostatic adsorption. A significant change in the nanopore electrical readout is noticed when the functionalized nanochannel is exposed to an electrolyte solution having La³⁺cations. The distinctive response by the nanofluidic system towards La³⁺ions is assumed to be due to ionic radii, hexagonal crystal structure, and associated basal plane interaction between anchored ZnO nanoparticles and La³⁺ions. We anticipate that this nanofluidic system can be used as a model to design highly sensitive metal ion detection devices.