Abstract
In this work, a traditional and natural polymer, chitosan (CS) is reported as an efficient hole-scavenger that enhances the photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of tungsten trioxide (WO3) for Co2+ detection in water. Decoration of WO3/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrodes with CS remarkably improves the visible-light absorption and enhances the photo electron–hole separation efficiency of WO3, giving rise to significant photocurrent enhancement. Moreover, by taking the advantage of the strong chelating ability of CS, Co2+ can be extracted effectively from water by using the CS/WO3/FTO material. The introduction of Co2+ prevents CS from consuming the oxidative holes, resulting in a decrease of the photocurrent. Enlightened by this, we developed a sensitive and selective PEC method for tracing of Co2+ in the range of 1.0 to 60.0 μmol L−1, with a detection limit of 0.3 μmol L−1 (S/N = 3). In addition, based on a systematic study, we proposed a possible mechanism for the PEC process on CS/WO3/FTO. This work may provide new insight into the use of natural polymers as electron donors and specific chelating agents in PEC sensors, in addition to expanding the application of the PEC approach in the field of environmental and biological analysis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
