Surface Plasmon Resonance-Enhanced CdS/FTO Heterojunction for Cu²⁺ Detection

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Copper ion (Cu²⁺) pollution threatens marine ecosystems and fisheries.
• Online detection of Cu²⁺ in complex seawater matrices is challenging due to interference.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive and interference-resistant electrochemical sensor for Cu²⁺ detection in seawater.
• To utilize the photo-assisted adjustment barrier effect for enhanced electrochemical responses.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 4-MBA-AuNPs/CdS/FTO composite platform.
• Application of the photo-assisted adjustment barrier effect in electrochemical detection.
• Utilizing Schottky barrier modulation under photoexcitation for Cu²⁺ adsorption facilitation.

Main Results:

• Achieved a sensitive detection limit of 70 nM for Cu²⁺.
• Demonstrated effective counteraction of seawater ion interference.
• Reported a promising recovery rate (99.62-104.9%) in real seawater samples.

Conclusions:

• The photo-assisted adjustment barrier effect is a viable strategy for developing robust electrochemical sensors.
• The developed sensor shows practical applicability for monitoring Cu²⁺ in marine environments.
• This approach offers a pathway for interference-resistant electrochemical sensing.