Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Sensors and Their Applications on the Detection of Trace Metals in Environmental Water Samples

Abstract

The elevated concentrations of various trace metals beyond existing guideline recommendations in water bodies have promoted research on the development of various electrochemical nanosensors for the trace metals’ early detection. Inspired by the exciting physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials, advanced functional nanocomposites with improved sensitivity, sensitivity and stability, amongst other performance parameters, have been synthesized, characterized, and applied on the detection of various trace metals in water matrices. Nanocomposites have been perceived as a solution to address a critical challenge of distinct nanomaterials that are limited by agglomerations, structure stacking leading to aggregations, low conductivity, and limited porous structure for electrolyte access, amongst others. In the past few years, much effort has been dedicated to the development of various nanocomposites such as; electrochemical nanosensors for the detection of trace metals in water matrices. Herein, the recent progress on the development of nanocomposites classified according to their structure as carbon nanocomposites, metallic nanocomposites, and metal oxide/hydroxide nanocomposites is summarized, alongside their application as electrochemical nanosensors for trace metals detection in water matrices. Some perspectives on the development of smart electrochemical nanosensors are also introduced.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Inorganic NPs Influence the Absorption Rate of Aquatic Mosses Reducing Cytotoxicity on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Model

“…The widespread use of inorganic nanomaterials, namely, metal (Ag NPs and Au NPs) and metal oxide NPs (SiO 2 NPs and TiO 2 NPs) in a broad range of commercial products [ 1 ], such as paints [ 2 ], cosmetics [ 3 ], medicine [ 4 , 5 ], sensors [ 6 , 7 ], food additives [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], and sunscreens [ 11 , 12 ], highlighted the problem of their behavior and fate in several environmental compartments [ 13 ]. The unique physico-chemical properties, due to the high surface-to-volume ratio, make NPs very reactive materials with respect to the bulk counterpart [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Self-Assembled Nanomaterials Based on Complementary Sn(IV) and Zn(II)-Porphyrins, and Their Photocatalytic Degradation for Rhodamine B Dye

“…Over the past two decades, nanomaterials have drawn the attention of material chemistry researchers due to their extensive applicability in various fields, including catalysis, solar energy conversion and storage, molecular recognition, sensing, and cancer treatment [1][2][3][4][5]. These compounds have been widely used to improve the properties of materials, which include high electrical conductivity, excellent optoelectronics, and corrosion resistance [6][7][8].…”

Adsorptive Removal of Cd, Cu, Ni and Mn from Environmental Samples Using Fe3O4-Zro2@APS Nanocomposite: Kinetic and Equilibrium Isotherm Studies

“…The most frequently found toxic heavy metals in industrial wastewater include cadmium, chromium; zinc, chromium, copper and lead, among others [ 2 ]. Some of these heavy metals, namely, nickel, copper and manganese, are essential to living organisms, however, they are toxic when ingested in excess beyond maximum regulated levels [ 4 ]. On the other hand, heavy metals such as lead, and cadmium are known to be extremely toxic and hazardous to human health, even at trace levels [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…Some of these heavy metals, namely, nickel, copper and manganese, are essential to living organisms, however, they are toxic when ingested in excess beyond maximum regulated levels [ 4 ]. On the other hand, heavy metals such as lead, and cadmium are known to be extremely toxic and hazardous to human health, even at trace levels [ 4 , 5 ]. Subsequently, these metals are known to have detrimental effects on metabolic processes of human beings and have also been classified as carcinogenic agents [ 4 ].…”

“…On the other hand, heavy metals such as lead, and cadmium are known to be extremely toxic and hazardous to human health, even at trace levels [ 4 , 5 ]. Subsequently, these metals are known to have detrimental effects on metabolic processes of human beings and have also been classified as carcinogenic agents [ 4 ]. Unlike most organic pollutants that are susceptible to biological degradation, heavy metal ions are not degradable [ 3 ].…”