A Novel Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Nitrite Sensor Based on a AuNPs/CS/Ti₃C₂ Nanocomposite

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Nitrite is a widespread inorganic pollutant in water bodies.
• Elevated nitrite levels pose significant risks to human health.
• There is a critical need for rapid and online nitrite detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for nitrite detection.
• To utilize a novel AuNPs/CS/MXene nanocomposite material for sensor fabrication.
• To assess the sensor's performance and potential for real-world applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a nanocomposite sensor using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), chitosan (CS), and MXene.
• Characterization of the nanocomposite using SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, CV, and EIS.
• Optimization of electrochemical detection parameters for nitrite.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity and selectivity for nitrite detection.
• A wide linear detection range (0.5–335.5 μM and 335.5–3355 μM) was achieved.
• A low limit of detection (69 nM) and high sensitivity (517.8 and 403.2 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻²) were recorded.
• The sensor exhibited good anti-interference ability, repeatability, and stability.

Conclusions:

• The AuNPs/CS/MXene nanocomposite is a promising material for electrochemical nitrite sensing.
• The fabricated sensor offers a reliable and efficient method for online nitrite monitoring.
• The sensor shows potential for practical application in analyzing nitrite levels in real environmental samples.