Nitrites Detection with Sensors Processed via Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Nitrite detection in water is crucial for environmental and health monitoring.
• Existing electrochemical sensors often require improvement in sensitivity and selectivity.
• Laser-based deposition techniques offer precise control for sensor fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate novel electrochemical sensors for nitrite detection using MAPLE.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of carbon nanotubes, chitosan, and iron (II) phthalocyanine on sensor performance.
• To assess the suitability of MAPLE-modified screen-printed electrodes for trace nitrite analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of composite coatings using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE).
• Modification of commercial carbon-based screen-printed electrodes with CNTs, chitosan, and iron (II) phthalocyanine.
• Characterization of coating morphology and surface chemistry.
• Electrochemical evaluation of nitrite oxidation using bare and modified electrodes.

Main Results:

• MAPLE successfully fabricated composite coatings with varying concentrations of CNTs, chitosan, and iron (II) phthalocyanine.
• The combined presence of CNTs, chitosan, and iron (II) phthalocyanine significantly enhanced the electrochemical response for nitrite oxidation.
• MAPLE-modified screen-printed electrodes demonstrated a low limit of detection (0.12 µM) for nitrite.

Conclusions:

• MAPLE is an effective technique for developing advanced electrochemical sensors.
• The developed composite material exhibits excellent electro-catalytic activity for nitrite oxidation.
• These sensors are highly promising for sensitive and reliable detection of nitrite traces in water samples.