Electrochemical Sensor Based on Porous Biochar-Loaded MnO2 Nanocomposite for Sensitive Detection of Cd(II)
Baoli Wang1,2, Kai Tang1,3, Feng Yang1
1Haikou Key Laboratory of Marine Contaminants Monitoring Innovation and Application, Haikou Marine Geological Survey Center, China Geological Survey, Haikou 571127, China.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 30, 2025
Summary
A new electrochemical sensor detects cadmium (Cd) contamination using a composite of porous carbon and manganese dioxide (MnO2). This sensitive sensor accurately measures Cd2+ in food and water samples, aiding environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cadmium (Cd) contamination poses significant risks to food safety and ecosystems.
- Electrochemical methods offer sensitive and rapid detection of heavy metal ions.
- Developing efficient sensors for in situ heavy metal detection is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a sensitive electrochemical sensor for cadmium ion (Cd2+) detection.
- To utilize a novel composite material of biomass-derived porous carbon and manganese dioxide (MnO2/KLSC).
- To evaluate the sensor's performance and applicability in real-world samples.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an electrochemical sensor using MnO2/KLSC composite as electrode material.
- Electrochemical analysis to determine sensor performance characteristics.
- Application of the sensor for analyzing cadmium levels in rice and seawater samples.
Main Results:
- The MnO2/KLSC composite exhibits a porous structure with evenly distributed MnO2 particles.
- The developed Cd2+ sensor demonstrated a linear detection range of 0.01-80.0 μmol/L and a detection limit of 9.8 nmol/L.
- The sensor showed excellent repeatability, reproducibility, anti-interference, and satisfactory recovery rates in real samples.
Conclusions:
- The MnO2/KLSC composite is a highly effective material for constructing sensitive electrochemical sensors.
- The fabricated sensor provides a reliable and efficient platform for detecting cadmium contamination.
- The sensor's performance is attributed to the composite's excellent electrical conductivity, large surface area, and electron transfer capabilities.
