Facile Synthesis of Tungsten Carbide Nanosheets for Trace Level Detection of Toxic Mercury Ions in Biological and Contaminated Sewage Water Samples: An Electrocatalytic Approach

Abstract

In this work, we describe a facile synthesis of tungsten carbide nanosheets (WC NSs) via hydrothermal approach, and various analytical and electrochemical techniques were used for its characterized. Mercury (Hg II) is one of the most toxic elements that directly and indirectly affects human health and the environment. The optimization condition such as various pHs toward Hg(II) detection was studied. Consequently, in this study, we offer a selective and pico-molar Hg(II) electrochemical sensor in biological and water samples by WC NS modified multi-conventional electrode at 0.16 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The WC NSs modified SPCE could sense the Hg(II) up 2 to 655 nM. L −1 with the detection limit is 0.18 nM. L −1 . The attained detection limit was well below the guideline level of Hg(II) set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World's Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, the developed WC NSs modified SPCE selectively determined the Hg(II) in the presence of Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) as potentially interfering metal cations. The real sample analysis was displayed in human blood serum, fish extract and industrial wastewater samples and obtained results were compared with standard HPLC technique.

Recent advances in the modification of electrodes for trace metal analysis: a review

“…2 presents the preparation of magnetic NiFe 2 O 4 -NPs and polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites used in the modification of a GCE for the determination of Pb 2+ in tap, lake, and river water samples. 96 Although the performance of the NM-modified electrodes has been mainly tested in real water samples, several studies reported on their use in heavy metal determination in other samples, including, among others, body fluids 31,57,88,163,173,190 and cosmetic product 190 samples. Moreover, Das et al 31 successfully employed a bimetal oxide (Bi 2 O 3 /Fe 2 O 3 )-NP decorated GO modified PGE for the determination of Cd 2+ in a wide range of real samples, including food (potato, lemon, and apple), soil, biological samples (blood serum and urine), and water (tap, drinking and chemical laboratory wastewater) samples.…”

“…Five main types of NMs, i.e. , graphene, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), 22–92 NPs, 23–25,27,31,56,57,59,64,67,70,83,86,87,93–138 single and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and MWCNTs), 32,83,89,98,99,101,113,129,133,139–162 nanosheets, 34,85,107,111,139,162–166 and nanofibers, 167–169 have been employed in the modification of the electrodes used in the determination of heavy metals. Nanocubes, nanoflakes, nanospheres, and nanodiamonds 75,170–175 are among the other types of NMs used in the modification of the electrodes.…”

Electrochemical Sensing Based on Nanofibers Modified Electrodes for Application in Diagnostic, Food and Waste Water Samples

“…[66] Mercury ion (Hg 2 + ), one of the most toxic elements that affects the environment as well as human health, is very important to develop a trace-level mercury sensor for the detection of mercury contamination in water sources and seafood. [67] Several nanofibers based electrochemical sensors were reported [68] that they will be discussed in the following. Liao et al [68a] proposed a sensor based on a composite of CNF and bis(indolyl)methane (BIM) as a highly specific Hg 2 + complex-agent for anodic stripping analysis of Hg 2 + .…”

“…Mercury ion (Hg 2+ ), one of the most toxic elements that affects the environment as well as human health, is very important to develop a trace‐level mercury sensor for the detection of mercury contamination in water sources and seafood [67] . Several nanofibers based electrochemical sensors were reported [68] that they will be discussed in the following.…”

Tungsten Carbide as Supports for Trimetallic AuPdPt Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation

“…One reason that WC has been used as the substrate is its similar bulk electronic properties to Pt-group metals. 9,[30][31][32] Furthermore, metal-modified WC electrocatalysts have proven increased CO tolerance. 33 The WC support has been postulated to help increase the dispersion of the metal nanoparticles.…”