Phosphorus-doped tungsten-based materials on carbon cloth for direct electrochemical lead ion sensing

The detection of lead ions (Pb²⁺) is essential because of their toxicity and potential risks to human health and ecosystems. Conventional detection methods often rely on pre-enrichment, which, while improving sensitivity, can lead to challenges such as longer detection times, higher energy consumption, and electrode degradation. In this study, we introduce a high-performance electrochemical sensor utilizing a phosphorus-doped tungsten-based material/carbon cloth electrode (P-W-CC), designed for Pb²⁺ detection without pre-enrichment. This approach takes advantage of the multivalent properties of tungsten and the effects of phosphorus doping. Tungsten's multivalent properties enable efficient redox cycling, while phosphorus doping enhances the electrode's adsorption capacity for Pb²⁺. This combination significantly improves both adsorption and detection performance. Integrated into a wireless low-power detection system using LoRa communication, the P-W-CC sensor demonstrates exceptional sensitivity, stability, and rapid analysis. This study offers valuable insights into the development of real-time monitoring systems for detecting heavy metal ions, meeting critical demands in environmental monitoring and industrial applications.