A Biocompatible Design of Kappa-Carrageenan/Functionalized-Boron Nitride Nanocomposite: The Disposable Electrode of Mercury Detection

Abstract

The environmental pollution with heavy metal ions has generated great concern among human beings due to the enormous toxicity. Especially, mercury (Hg2+) is widespread in the environment and represents one of the most toxic compounds released into the environment. To prevent this, we need a fast, cost-effective, and ultrasensitive detection tool for Hg2+. We have developed a sustainable development in disposable screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) based kappa-carrageenan/functionalized-boron nitride nanocomposite (f-BN@K-CGN) for the detection of Hg2+. A detailed understanding of physicochemical/structural characterizations was meticulously examined by spectroscopic and voltammetric methods. The voltammetry analysis confirms that the f-BN@K-CGN/SPCE exhibits a high electrochemical behavior for the Hg2+ detection compared to control electrodes. Noteworthily, the proposed f-BN@K-CGN/SPCE exhibited a wide linear range (0.007–265 μM), detection limit (0.001 μM) and, sensitivity for Hg2+ detection. The analytical performance of f-BN@K-CGN/SPCE was well below the permissible level of Hg2+ set by the World Health Organization and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Most notably, the electrochemical performance of f-BN@K-CGN/SPCE is better than those reported in the previous literature. Additionally, f-BN@K-CGN/SPCE possesses good selectivity, stability, reproducibility and shows great potential for the onsite monitoring of Hg2+ in real samples with a satisfactory value.