Ultrasensitive and Simultaneous Electrochemical Determination of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ Based on Biomass Derived Lotus Root-Like Hierarchical Porous Carbon/Bismuth Composite

Abstract

A green and effective strategy to prepare a novel lotus root-like three-dimensional (3D) bismuth/biomass derived activated carbon (Bi@BAC) composite was developed for simultaneous electrochemical sensing of Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ . The BAC supports herein were prepared from naturally-abundant Platanus seeds chemically activation by KOH, with dense and uniform bismuth micro/nanosized particles successfully anchored on the carbon substrate through microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment and subsequent carbothermal reduction process. Simultaneous electrochemical detection of Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) was performed with the novel composite modified carbon paste electrode (CPE). Under optimized experimental conditions, the Bi@BAC/CPE demonstrated good linear response for both two target metal ions in the concentration range of 0.5 to 50 μg L −1 , with limits of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of 0.13 and 0.08 μg L −1 for Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ , respectively. Moreover, the modified electrode displayed high resistance to interference, long-term stability and good reproducibility. The Bi@BAC/CPE also demonstrated satisfactory recovery level for the detection of target metal ions in real water samples.

Recent Advances in the Use of Biomass‐Derived Activated Carbon as an Electrode Material for Electroanalysis

“…This electrocatalyst combined with a GCE (Pd@BAC/GCE) has been used for ultrasensitive and simultaneous determination of heavy metals Cd 2 + , Pb 2 + , and Cu 2 + . Zhu et al [88] have reported the incorporation of bismuth using Bi(NO 3 ) 3 .5H 2 O, through the solvothermal treatment at 150°C for 30 min under microwave irradiation, into BAC (Bi@BAC) derived by heating platanus seeds at 900°C for 2 h combined with KOH activation under N 2 flow.…”

“…Zhu et al [88] . have reported the incorporation of bismuth using Bi(NO 3 ) 3 .5H 2 O, through the solvothermal treatment at 150 °C for 30 min under microwave irradiation, into BAC (Bi@BAC) derived by heating platanus seeds at 900 °C for 2 h combined with KOH activation under N 2 flow.…”

Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles Supported on Biomass-Derived Porous Carbon for Simultaneous Detection of Cd2+ and Pb2+

“…Heavy metals not only are unable to biodegrade but also tend to accumulate in body organs and tissues, which thereby represents a serious danger to human health according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 4,5 , even in trace levels. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are examples of toxicant metals, originating from industrial emissions, that showed a worrying increase through the aquatic biosphere, and which have been recognized as potential hazards to human safety [6][7][8] . Lead is typically used in petroleum refining (over 50% of emissions) 5 , it is a potent neurotoxin and suspected carcinogen that can cause harm to the brain, red blood cells, lung disease, and kidney problems 9,10 .…”

“…To overcome these issues, loading and embedding nZVI particles on the surface of a template would extend their lifetime and effectively suppress their aggregation and oxidation. For this, biomass-derived porous carbon (BPC) is considered to be an ideal stabilizer and suitable material for dispersing nano iron particles due to its wide abundance and ecological role, as well as its structural, chemical, and thermal stability 8,24,[30][31][32][33] . Earlier research conducted by Chen et al, 34 and Song et al, 35 have shown that the carbon network could increase the reactivity of the iron particles through the Fe/C cross-link and thus increase the detection efficiency of heavy metal ions.…”

Facile Synthesis of Nitrogen Self-Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Cicada Shell via KOH Activation for Simultaneous Detection and Removal of Cu2+

“…Recently, biochar has been attracting immense interest for potential applications in the energy, adsorption and sensing fields due to its low cost, rapid regeneration, and green preparation methods [ 7 , 8 ]. On one hand, biochar typically has good electrical conductivity and a highly functionalized surface that contains peripheral groups that are able to chelate metal ions, providing a solid basis for HMIs sensing [ 9 ]. On the other hand, biochar is also regarded as an attractive adsorbent for HMIs owing to its large surface area, high degree of surface reactivity, and abundance of minerals.…”