Bayberry-Kernel-Derived Wormlike Micro/Mesoporous Carbon Decorated with Human Blood Vessel-Like Structures and Active Nitrogen Sites as Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensors for Efficient Lead-Ion Detection

Abstract

The biomass-derived nitrogen-doped wormlike micro-/mesoporous carbon (BNWMC) was synthesized for highly sensitive lead-ion detection. The influence of carbonization temperature (CT) from 500 to 900 °C on the transformation of nitrogen/carbon-bonding configurations, pore structures, and electrochemical properties was investigated. The results showed that the BNWMCs have been equipped with active nitrogen/carbon bonding functionalities and unique human blood vessel-like structures, which are more pronounced with increasing CTs for a more effective generation of new criss-crossing micro/mesopores and high active quaternary-N, graphitic-C, and pyridinic-N sites on the C–C/C–N skeletons. The cyclic voltammetry response of the BNWMC-modified glassy carbon electrode increased with CT, further indicating that the unique physicochemical characteristics are crucial for improving electrochemical sensitivity for their possessing shorter path interpenetrating micro/mesopores and more active C/N-active sites. An excellent linear relationship (R 2 = 0.995) between peak currents and lead concentrations in a broad range of 10–800 mg L–1 was achieved, indicating that the BNWMC is a promising electrochemical modifier for developing lead detection sensor.