Chapter 4 - Graphene–Metal Modified Electrochemical Sensors

Abstract

The development in the field of nanoelectroanalytical chemistry is continuously inspiring scientists to explore novel materials for the development of electrochemical sensors. The ideal properties of a sensor include high sensitivity, high selectivity, cost effectiveness, fast response, and easy to fabrication. Graphene is an excellent electrical conducting material with high surface area, existing as a two-dimensional sheet of sp2 hybridized carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure. The graphene–metal hybrid can act as an enhanced platform for electroanalytical applications as it effectively accelerates the transfer of electrons which provides a fast and highly sensitive current response. Recently, graphene–metal hybrids proved a trump card in the field of sensing owing to the distinctive properties of the material. In this chapter, we present the recent advances in the field of graphene–metal based electrochemical sensors. We discuss the methods used for the synthesis of graphene–metal hybrids along with the design and fabrication of the electrochemical sensor with the focus on various approaches. The main emphasis of the chapter is on the electrochemical sensing application, summarizing the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges offered in the development of robust sensor.