Highly Sensitive Nitric Oxide Sensing Using Three‐Dimensional Graphene/Ionic Liquid Nanocomposite

Abstract

A nanocomposite gel with a uniform porous structure and well-controlled compositions prepared by mixing threedimensional graphene material with an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, is used for nitric oxide detection. It shows a fast response of less than 4 seconds, an excellent sensitivity of 11.2 mA cm À2 (mmol/ L) À1 and an extremely low detection limit of 16 nM with a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 (S/N = 3), a performance superior to that of reported works based on carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles. The high sensitivity is attributed to the large electroactive surface area of the graphene gel nanocomposite towards nitric oxide oxidation. The electrochemical behavior of the gel nanocomposite is investigated and explained.

Nanomaterials-based electrochemical sensors for nitric oxide

“…The graphene with high conductivity and prominent biocompatibility greatly promoted the direct electron transfer between Hb and the underlying electrode, leading to a greatly augmented current response of NO. Ng et al [96] combined graphene material and ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, to form a homogeneous, porous nanocomposite gel. Based on which a carbon paste electrode was prepared and was used for electrochemical NO sensing.…”

Electrode–Electrolyte Interfacial Processes in Ionic Liquids and Sensor Applications

“…But most importantly, the electrodes modified by any of these methods can then be utilized for various sensing applications. For example, Ng et al [214] employed a nanocomposite gel consisting of a three-dimensional graphene material and the IL [C 4 mim][PF 6 ] for the amperometric detection of nitric oxide (NO). A linear response of current vs. concentration over the range 1-16 μM NO was observed, with a fast response time of less than 4 s and a low detection limit of 16 nM.…”

Properties and Customization of Sensor Materials for Biomedical Applications

“…The sensor was applied to alcohol detection in aqueous solutions up to a concentration of 38 mM. Graphene mixed with 1-butyl-3methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate has been used in the fabrication of gels for the detection of NO in aqueous solutions (321). The sensor exhibited a fast response of less than 4 s, and a low detection limit of 16 nM, which is superior to that of NO sensing platforms based on carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles (321).…”