Novel Amperometric Mercury-Selective Sensor Based on Organic Chelator Ionophore

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Mercury (Hg2+) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant.
• Accurate detection of mercury is crucial for environmental and food safety.
• Development of selective and sensitive sensors is an ongoing research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel amperometric sensor for the direct determination of toxic mercury ions (Hg2+).
• To utilize an organic chelator ionophore (NDBD) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) for enhanced sensor performance.
• To evaluate the sensor's selectivity and applicability in real-world samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a glassy carbon electrode modified with NDBD and MWCNT.
• Optimization of sensor parameters: ionophore concentration, applied potential, and electrolyte pH.
• Amperometric detection of Hg2+ and evaluation of interference from other heavy metal ions.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated a linear response to Hg2+ in the concentration range of 1-25 µM.
• A low limit of detection (LOD) of 60 nM for Hg2+ was achieved.
• The sensor exhibited excellent selectivity for Hg2+ over other heavy metal ions.

Conclusions:

• A novel and effective amperometric sensor for Hg2+ detection was successfully developed.
• The sensor shows high sensitivity, selectivity, and potential for application in real samples.
• This method provides a reliable tool for monitoring mercury contamination in food and environmental matrices.