Highly Sensitive and Selective Eco-Toxic 4-Nitrophenol Chemical Sensor Based on Ag-Doped ZnO Nanoflowers Decorated with Nanosheets

Abstract

Herein, we have developed a novel sensing electrode to detect the eco-toxic 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Ag-doped-ZnO nanoflowers were synthesized by facile hydrothermal method and examined by several characterization techniques in order to understand the morphology, crystal structure, composition, and surface properties. Morphological results were confirmed by the formation of Ag-doped ZnO nanoflowers decorated with nanosheets. Ag-doped ZnO/glassy carbon electrode (GCE) electrode-material-matrix was used for electrochemical sensing of toxic 4-NP. Under optimized conditions, Ag-doped ZnO/GCE modified electrode exhibits high-sensitivity and selectivity compared to the bare GCE electrode. The Ag-doped ZnO/GCE modified electrode exhibits high electrocatalytic oxidation towards 4-NP. Anodic peak current of 4-NP is increased linearly by increasing the concentration of nitrophenol. Additionally, Ag-doped ZnO/GCE shows a wide range of sensitivity from 10 µM to 500 µM, and a linear calibration plot with a good detection limit of 3 µM (S/N = 3). The proposed Ag-doped ZnO/GCE modified electrode showed high sensing stability. In addition, the oxidation mechanism was studied. The obtained results revealed that the Ag-ZnO/GCE electrode could be the promising sensing electrode for 4-NP sensing.

Fabrication and Characterization of Acute Myocardial Infarction Myoglobin Biomarker Based on Chromium-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

“…The bandgap of ZnO has been tailored and the oxygen concentration is varied by doping with different metal ions such as tin (Sn), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), etc., to improve various physical properties [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Doping, therefore, provides a practical way to tune physical properties, particularly optical, electrical, magnetic, charge transport, and electrochemical properties to meet specific requirements [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. Besides this, doping also influences the crystal size, surface potential, semiconductor energy levels, and carrier concentration that are utilized for sensors [ 9 , 43 ].…”

One-Pot Facile Synthesis of Noble Metal Nanoparticles Supported on rGO with Enhanced Catalytic Performance for 4-Nitrophenol Reduction

“…In recent years, organic pollutants from industrial waste have seriously affected the environment and human health; thus, the removal of industrial waste has received great attention [ 7 , 8 ]. As a high-priority pollutant, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) is widely distributed in the environment; it is the most refractory pollutant negatively affecting the health of humans and animals [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Thus, it is important to remove or reduce the presence of 4-NP in the environment.…”