Biosynthesized ZnO/Co₃O₄ Nanocomposite-Modified Electrode for Electrocatalytic Lead Detection and Quantification

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Lead ions (Pb2+) pose significant environmental and health risks.
• Development of sensitive and selective electrochemical sensors for heavy metal detection is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel electrochemical sensor for the detection of lead ions (Pb2+).
• To utilize a watermelon peel extract-assisted ZnO/Co3O4 nanocomposite for enhanced sensing performance.

Main Methods:

• Square wave stripping voltammetry was employed for Pb2+ detection.
• A modified electrode was fabricated using a ZnO/Co3O4 nanocomposite synthesized with watermelon peel extract.
• Extensive physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations were performed.

Main Results:

• The ZnO/Co3O4 nanocomposite enhanced the conductivity and active sites of the electrode.
• The nanosensor exhibited a low limit of detection (0.03923 μmol/L) and limit of quantification (0.131 μmol/L) for Pb2+.
• Optimized deposition potential and time improved detection accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanosensor demonstrates high sensitivity, simplicity, and suitability for environmental Pb2+ analysis.
• Watermelon peel extract plays a key role in creating an effective nanocomposite for electrochemical sensing.
• This approach offers a promising, eco-friendly method for heavy metal monitoring.