Research

10 pages, 2373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemiluminescence Sensor Based on CeO₂ Nanocrystalline for Hg²⁺ Detection in Environmental Samples

by Chunyuan Tian, Feiyan Tang, Wei Guo, Minggang Wei, Li Wang, Xuming Zhuang and Feng Luan

Molecules 2024, 29(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29010001 - 19 Dec 2023

Viewed by 935

The excessive concentration of heavy-metal mercury ions (Hg²⁺) in the environment seriously affects the ecological environment and even threatens human health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop rapid and low-cost determination methods to achieve trace detection of Hg²⁺. In [...] Read more.

The excessive concentration of heavy-metal mercury ions (Hg²⁺) in the environment seriously affects the ecological environment and even threatens human health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop rapid and low-cost determination methods to achieve trace detection of Hg²⁺. In this paper, an Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform using a functionalized rare-earth material (cerium oxide, CeO₂) as the luminescent unit and an aptamer as a capture unit was designed and constructed. Using the specific asymmetric matching between Hg²⁺ and thymine (T) base pairs in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) single strand, the “T−Hg−T” structure was formed to change the ECL signal, leading to a direct and sensitive response to Hg²⁺. The results show a good linear relationship between the concentration and the response signal within the range of 10 pM–100 µM for Hg²⁺, with a detection limit as low as 0.35 pM. In addition, the ECL probe exhibits a stable ECL performance and excellent specificity for identifying target Hg²⁺. It was then successfully used for spiked recovery tests of actual samples in the environment. The analytical method solves the problem of poor Hg²⁺ recognition specificity, provides a new idea for the efficient and low-cost detection of heavy-metal pollutant Hg²⁺ in the environment, and broadens the prospects for the development and application of rare-earth materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 6242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Adsorption and Electrochemical Detection of Cd²⁺ with a Ternary MgZnFe-Layered Double Hydroxides Engineered Porous Biochar Composite

by Yongfang Yu, Wenting Yang, Shujuan Li, Yansha Gao, Linyu Wang and Guoqin Huang

Molecules 2023, 28(20), 7002; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207002 - 10 Oct 2023

Viewed by 756

Abstract

Their unique layered structure, large specific surface area, good stability, high negative charge density between layers, and customizable composition give layered double hydroxides (LDHs) excellent adsorption and detection performance for heavy metal ions (HMIs). However, their easy aggregation and low electrical conductivity limit [...] Read more.

Their unique layered structure, large specific surface area, good stability, high negative charge density between layers, and customizable composition give layered double hydroxides (LDHs) excellent adsorption and detection performance for heavy metal ions (HMIs). However, their easy aggregation and low electrical conductivity limit the practical application of untreated LDHs. In this work, a ternary MgZnFe-LDHs engineered porous biochar (MgZnFe-LDHs/PBC) heterojunction was proposed as a sensing and adsorption material for the effective detection and removal of Cd²⁺ from wastewater. The growth of MgZnFe-LDHs in the PBC pores not only reduces the accumulation of MgZnFe-LDHs, but also improves the electrical conductivity of the composite. The synergistic effect between MgZnFe-LDHs and PBC enables the composite to achieve a maximum adsorption capacity of up to 293.4 mg/g for Cd²⁺ in wastewater. Meanwhile, the MgZnFe-LDHs/PBC-based electrochemical sensor shows excellent detection performance for Cd²⁺, presenting a wide linear range (0.01 ng/L–1 mg/L), low detection limit (3.0 pg/L), good selectivity, and stability. The results indicate that MgZnFe-LDHs/PBC would be a potential material for detecting and removing Cd²⁺ from wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Porous Biochar/Cuprous Oxide (BC/Cu₂O) Composite for the Determination of Hg(II)

by Jin Zou, Jiawei Liu, Guanwei Peng, Haiyan Huang, Linyu Wang, Limin Lu, Yansha Gao, Dongnan Hu and Shangxing Chen

Molecules 2023, 28(14), 5352; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145352 - 12 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 892

Abstract

Mercuric ion (Hg²⁺) in aqueous media is extremely toxic to the environment and organisms. Therefore, the ultra-trace electrochemical determination of Hg²⁺ in the environment is of critical importance. In this work, a new electrochemical Hg²⁺ sensing platform based on [...] Read more.

Mercuric ion (Hg²⁺) in aqueous media is extremely toxic to the environment and organisms. Therefore, the ultra-trace electrochemical determination of Hg²⁺ in the environment is of critical importance. In this work, a new electrochemical Hg²⁺ sensing platform based on porous activated carbon (BC/Cu₂O) modified with cuprous oxide was developed using a simple impregnation pyrolysis method. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) was used to investigate the sensing capability of the BC/Cu₂O electrode towards Hg²⁺. Due to the excellent conductivity and large specific surface area of BC, and the excellent catalytic activity of Cu₂O nanoparticles, the prepared BC/Cu₂O electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical activity. The high sensitivity of the proposed system resulted in a low detection limit of 0.3 ng·L⁻¹ and a wide linear response in the ranges from 1.0 ng·L⁻¹ to 1.0 mg·L⁻¹. In addition, this sensor was found to have good accuracy, acceptable precision, and reproducibility. All of these results show that the BC/Cu₂O composite is a promising material for Hg²⁺ electrochemical detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 7911 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Behavior of β-Cyclodextrin-Ni-MOF-74/Reduced Graphene Oxide Sensors for the Ultrasensitive Detection of Rutin

by Li Zhang, Mengting Zhang, Pingping Yang, Yin Zhang, Junjie Fei and Yixi Xie

Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4604; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124604 - 07 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1261

Abstract

Rutin, as a biological flavonoid glycoside, has very important medicinal value. The accurate and rapid detection of rutin is of great significance. Herein, an ultrasensitive electrochemical rutin sensor based on β-cyclodextrin metal–organic framework/reduced graphene oxide (β-CD-Ni-MOF-74/rGO) was constructed. The obtained β-CD-Ni-MOF-74 was characterized [...] Read more.

Rutin, as a biological flavonoid glycoside, has very important medicinal value. The accurate and rapid detection of rutin is of great significance. Herein, an ultrasensitive electrochemical rutin sensor based on β-cyclodextrin metal–organic framework/reduced graphene oxide (β-CD-Ni-MOF-74/rGO) was constructed. The obtained β-CD-Ni-MOF-74 was characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and nitrogen adsorption and desorption. The β-CD-Ni-MOF-74/rGO presented good electrochemical properties benefiting from the large specific surface area and good adsorption enrichment effect of β-CD-Ni-MOF-74 and the good conductivity of rGO. Under optimal conditions for the detection of rutin, the β-CD-Ni-MOF-74/rGO/GCE showed a wider linear range (0.06–1.0 μM) and lower detection limit (LOD, 0.68 nM, (S/N = 3)). Furthermore, the sensor shows good accuracy and stability for the detection of rutin in actual samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TiO₂-MXene/PEDOT:PSS Composite as a Novel Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Sensitive Detection of Baicalein

by Shuya Xue, Min Shi, Jinye Wang, Jiapeng Li, Guanwei Peng, Jingkun Xu, Yansha Gao, Xuemin Duan and Limin Lu

Molecules 2023, 28(7), 3262; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073262 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1801

Abstract

In this work, TiO₂-MXene/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) composite was utilized as an electrode material for the sensitive electrochemical detection of baicalein. The in-situ growth of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of MXene nanosheets can effectively prevent their aggregation, thus presenting [...] Read more.

In this work, TiO₂-MXene/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) composite was utilized as an electrode material for the sensitive electrochemical detection of baicalein. The in-situ growth of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of MXene nanosheets can effectively prevent their aggregation, thus presenting a significantly large specific surface area and abundant active sites. However, the partial oxidation of MXene after calcination could reduce its conductivity. To address this issue, herein, PEDOT:PSS films were introduced to disperse the TiO₂-MXene materials. The uniform and dense films of PEDOT:PSS not only improved the conductivity and dispersion of TiO₂-MXene but also enhanced its stability and electrocatalytic activity. With the advantages of a composite material, TiO₂-MXene/PEDOT:PSS as an electrode material demonstrated excellent electrochemical sensing ability for baicalein determination, with a wide linear response ranging from 0.007 to 10.0 μM and a lower limit of detection of 2.33 nM. Furthermore, the prepared sensor displayed good repeatability, reproducibility, stability and selectivity, and presented satisfactory results for the determination of baicalein in human urine sample analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Doped Porous Biochar/β-CD-MOFs Heterostructures: Bi-Functional Material for Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection and Removal of Acetaminophen

by Qi Yu, Jin Zou, Chenxiao Yu, Guanwei Peng, Guorong Fan, Linyu Wang, Shangxing Chen, Limin Lu and Zongde Wang

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062437 - 07 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1361

Abstract

Acetaminophen (AC) is one of the most common over-the-counter drugs, and its pollutant in groundwater has attracted more attention due to its serious risk to human health. Currently, the research on AC is mainly focused on its detection, but few are concerned about [...] Read more.

Acetaminophen (AC) is one of the most common over-the-counter drugs, and its pollutant in groundwater has attracted more attention due to its serious risk to human health. Currently, the research on AC is mainly focused on its detection, but few are concerned about its removal. In this work, for the first time, nitrogen-doped Soulangeana sepals derived biochar/β-cyclodextrin-Metal-organic frameworks (N-SC/β-CD-MOFs) composite was proposed for the simultaneous efficient removal and detection of AC. N-SC/β-CD-MOFs combined the properties of host-guest recognition of β-CD-MOFs and porous structure, high porosity, and large surface area of N-SC. Their synergies endowed N-SC/β-CD-MOFs with a high adsorption capacity toward AC, which was up to 66.43 mg/g. The adsorption type of AC on the surface of N-SC/β-CD-MOFs conformed to the Langmuir adsorption model, and the study of the adsorption mechanism showed that AC adsorption on N-SC was mainly achieved through hydrogen bonding. In addition, the high conductivity, large specific surface area and abundant active sites of N-SC/β-CD-MOFs were of great significance to the high-performance detection of AC. Accordingly, the sensor prepared with N-SC/β-CD-MOFs presented a wide linear range (1.0–30.0 μM) and a low limit of detection of 0.3 nM (S/N = 3). These excellent performances demonstrate that N-SC/β-CD-MOFs could act as an efficient dual-functional material for the detection and removal of AC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Synthesis of MnMgFe-LDH on Biochar for Electrochemical Detection and Removal of Cd²⁺ in Aqueous Solution

by Yongfang Yu, Wenting Yang, Haocheng Wang and Guoqin Huang

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7875; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227875 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1220

Abstract

Herein, MnMgFe-layered double hydroxides/biochar (MnMgFe-LDHs/BC) composite was fabricated by immobilizing MnMgFe-LDHs on BC via the coprecipitation method, which was employed as an effective material for the detection and removal of Cd²⁺ from aqueous media. A lamellar structure of MnMgFe-LDHs with abundant surface-hydroxyl [...] Read more.

Herein, MnMgFe-layered double hydroxides/biochar (MnMgFe-LDHs/BC) composite was fabricated by immobilizing MnMgFe-LDHs on BC via the coprecipitation method, which was employed as an effective material for the detection and removal of Cd²⁺ from aqueous media. A lamellar structure of MnMgFe-LDHs with abundant surface-hydroxyl groups and various interlayer anions inside present a greater chance of trapping Cd²⁺. Meanwhile, the conductive BC with a porous structure provides numerous channels for the adsorption of Cd²⁺. Using the MnMgFe-LDHs/BC-based sensor, Cd²⁺ can be detected with a low limit of detection down to 0.03 ng/L. The feasibility of detecting Cd²⁺ in paddy water was also carried out, with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 97.3 to 102.3%. In addition, the MnMgFe-LDHs/BC material as an adsorbent was applied to remove Cd²⁺ from water with adsorption capacity of 118 mg/g, and the removal efficiency can reach 91%. These results suggest that the as-prepared MnMgFe-LDHs/BC can serve as a favorable platform for efficient determination and removal of Cd²⁺ in water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasensitive Detection of Cu(II) and Pb(II) Using a Water-Soluble Perylene Probe

by Erika Kozma, Antonella Caterina Boccia, Anita Andicsova-Eckstein, Alfio Pulvirenti and Chiara Botta

Molecules 2022, 27(20), 7079; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27207079 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1335

Abstract

The selective detection of metal ions in water, using sustainable detection systems, is of crescent importance for monitoring water environments and drinking water safety. One of the key elements of future chemical sciences is the use of sustainable approaches in the design of [...] Read more.

The selective detection of metal ions in water, using sustainable detection systems, is of crescent importance for monitoring water environments and drinking water safety. One of the key elements of future chemical sciences is the use of sustainable approaches in the design of new materials. In this study, we design and synthesize a low-cost, water-soluble potassium salt of 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic acid (PTAS), which shows a selective optical response on the addition of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions in aqueous solutions. By using a water-soluble chromophore, the interactions with the metal ions are definitely more intimate and efficient, with respect to standard methods employing cosolvents. The detection limits of PTAS for both Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ are found to be 2 µM by using a simple absorbance mode, and even lower (1 μM) with NMR experiments, indicating that this analyte–probe system is sensitive enough for the detection of copper ions in drinking water and lead ions in waste water. The complexation of PTAS with both ions is supported with NMR studies, which reveal the formation of new species between PTAS and analytes. By combining a low-cost water-soluble chromophore with efficient analyte–probe interactions due to the use of aqueous solutions, the results here obtained provide a basis for designing sustainable sensing systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 3577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Sunset Yellow Based on Electrochemically Activated Glassy Carbon Electrode

by Yan Lu, Chengqi Bao, Jin Zou, Jinli Xiao, Wei Zhong and Yansha Gao

Molecules 2022, 27(16), 5221; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27165221 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1380

Abstract

Electrochemically activated glassy carbon electrode (AGCE) was fabricated and applied for sensitive and selective detection of sunset yellow (SY). The electroanalysis of SY was investigated by square wave voltammetry (SWV). Owed to the specific oxygen-contained functional groups and the outstanding conductivity of AGCE, [...] Read more.

Electrochemically activated glassy carbon electrode (AGCE) was fabricated and applied for sensitive and selective detection of sunset yellow (SY). The electroanalysis of SY was investigated by square wave voltammetry (SWV). Owed to the specific oxygen-contained functional groups and the outstanding conductivity of AGCE, the proposed sensor exhibits an enhanced oxidation peak current of SY when compared with non-activated glass carbon electrode (GCE). Under the optimal analytical conditions, the oxidation peak current is linear with SY concentration in the range of 0.005–1.0 μM. The low limit of detection is 0.00167 μM (S/N = 3). This method is applied for the detection of SY in the actual samples. The recovery is between 96.19 and 103.47%, indicating that AGCE is suitable for the determination of SY in beverage sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

β-Cyclodextrin/CMK-8-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Sensitive Detection of Cu²⁺

by Chengqi Bao, Yan Lu, Jiawei Liu, Yansha Gao, Limin Lu and Shuwu Liu

Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4954; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154954 - 04 Aug 2022

Viewed by 2321

Abstract

In this work, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/mesoporous carbon (CMK-8) nanocomposite was synthesized and used as an electrochemical sensing platform for highly sensitive and selective detection of Cu²⁺. The morphology and structure of β-CD/CMK-8 were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction [...] Read more.

In this work, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/mesoporous carbon (CMK-8) nanocomposite was synthesized and used as an electrochemical sensing platform for highly sensitive and selective detection of Cu²⁺. The morphology and structure of β-CD/CMK-8 were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the dates from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic voltammetry (CV) demonstrated that the β-CD/CMK-8 possessed a fast electronic transfer rate and large effective surface area. Besides this, the β-CD/CMK-8 composite displayed high enrichment ability toward Cu²⁺. As a result of these impressive features, the β-CD/CMK-8 modified electrode provided a wide linear response ranging from 0.1 ng·L⁻¹ to 1.0 mg·L⁻¹ with a low detection limit of 0.3 ng·L⁻¹. Furthermore, the repeatability, reproducibility and selectivity of β-CD/CMK-8 towards Cu²⁺ were commendable. The sensor could be used to detect Cu²⁺ in real samples. All in all, this work proposes a simple and sensitive method for Cu²⁺ detection, which provides a reference for the subsequent detection of HMIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Synthesis of Nitrogen Self-Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Cicada Shell via KOH Activation for Simultaneous Detection and Removal of Cu²⁺

by Jin Zou, Jiawei Liu, Qi Yu, Yansha Gao, Shangxing Chen, Xigen Huang, Dongnan Hu, Shuwu Liu and Limin Lu

Molecules 2022, 27(14), 4516; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144516 - 15 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1262

Abstract

Sensitive detection and efficient removal of heavy metal ions with high toxicity and mobility are of great importance for environmental monitoring and control. Although several kinds of functional materials have been reported for this purpose, their preparation processes are complicated. Herein, nitrogen self-doped [...] Read more.

Sensitive detection and efficient removal of heavy metal ions with high toxicity and mobility are of great importance for environmental monitoring and control. Although several kinds of functional materials have been reported for this purpose, their preparation processes are complicated. Herein, nitrogen self-doped activated porous biochar (NAC) was synthesized in a facile process via an activation–carbonization strategy from cicada shell rich in chitin, and subsequently employed as an effective functional material for the simultaneous determination and removal of Cu²⁺ from aqueous media. With its unique porous structure and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, along with the presence of heteroatoms, NAC exhibits high sensitivity for the electrochemical sensing of Cu²⁺ in concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 1000 μg·L⁻¹, with a low detection limit of 0.3 ng·L⁻¹. Additionally, NAC presents an excellent removal efficiency of over 78%. The maximum adsorption capacity is estimated at 110.4 mg/g. These excellent performances demonstrate that NAC could serve as an efficient platform for the detection and removal of Cu²⁺ in real environmental areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Application of Functional Materials in Analysis and Detection

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (11 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI