Abstract
The improper disposal in agricultural and industrial wastewater leads to high NO2– concentrations in the aquatic environment, which can cause cancer in humans and animals; thus, their quick and accurate detection is urgently needed to ensure public health and environmental safety. In this study, a reliable and selective electrochemical sensor consisting of Pd–Cu nanospheres (NSs) supported on molybdenum carbide was prepared via simple ultrasonication. Then, a glassy carbon electrode was realized using this composite (Pd-Cu-Mo2C-modified GCE) to test its electrocatalytic sensing for NO2– in a 0.1 M phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) solution via cyclic voltammetry and amperometry; at a low oxidation potential, the anodic peak current of NO2– detected by this electrode was significantly higher than that of its unmodified and other modified electrodes. The sensor showed a broad linear response in the 5–165-nM NO2– concentration range, with a low detection limit (0.35 nM in 0.1 M PBS) and high sensitivity (3.308 μAnM–1 cm–2). Moreover, the fabricated electrode was successfully applied for detecting nitrites in sausages, river water, and milk, showing also good recovery.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 124914 |
Journal | Journal of Hazardous Materials |
Volume | 408 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 15 Apr 2021 |
Keywords
- Amperometry
- Electrochemical sensor
- Molybdenum carbide
- Nitrite
- Palladium