Development of a Copper-Based Metal Organic Electrode for Nitrite Sensing

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Nanomaterials Science
• Food Chemistry

Background:

• Nitrite is naturally found in vegetables and added to processed meats.
• Nitrite can form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
• Accurate nitrite quantification in food is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, reliable, and inexpensive method for nitrite quantification in food.
• To create a novel electrochemical sensor for sensitive nitrite detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF)/gold-platinum alloy nanoparticle (Au@Pt)-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE).
• Characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
• Electrochemical analysis via cyclic voltammetry and amperometric i-t method.

Main Results:

• The developed Cu-MOF/Au@Pt/GCE sensor demonstrated quantitative and specific nitrite detection.
• Achieved a linear detection range of 0.001-12.2 mM with a low detection limit of 72 nM.
• The sensor showed excellent repeatability, reproducibility, stability, and selectivity.

Conclusions:

• The Cu-MOF/Au@Pt/GCE provides a capable analytical method for food sample analysis.
• The large surface area and porosity of Cu-MOF, combined with Au@Pt nanoparticles, enhance electrocatalytic activity.
• Synergistic effects between Cu-MOF and Au@Pt significantly improved sensor performance for nitrite detection.