Development of substrate free polymer composite for Pb2+ ion sensor

Abstract

In the present study we focused on utilizing differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for detecting Pb2+ ions by electrochemical technique. Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) based composite system (PVB/PEDOT:PSS/MoS2) (PPM) modified by Molebdenum disulphide (MoS2). Structural characterization of PPM composite was done by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, revealing phase transitions and chemical functionalities within the ternary system. E2g and A1g Raman active modes related C α -C β interactions were observed by Raman spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) forseen uniform filler distribution in homogeneous polymer matrix. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals decreased surface roughness. Sessile drop contact angle measurements were confirmed hydrophilic properties, feasible for sensing applications. Cyclic voltammetry was performed in a 1 M acetate buffer solution, aligned with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results. The sensing capacity of PPM films was examined using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Sensor demonstrated effective detection of Pb2+ ions, with a low detection limit (LOD) of 27.77 μM and a linear detection range of 25–60 μM. Developed sensor exhibited excellent repeatability (with relative standard deviation (RSD) 0.6%) and strong selectivity. Sensor electrode performed appriciable trace of Pb2+ ions in drinking water at high concentration.