Abstract
This review focuses on recent contributions in the development of the electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). CNTs have unique mechanical and electronic properties, combined with chemical stability, and behave electrically as a metal or semiconductor, depending on their structure. For sensing applications, CNTs have many advantages such as small size with larger surface area, excellent electron transfer promoting ability when used as electrodes modifier in electrochemical reactions, and easy protein immobilization with retention of its activity for potential biosensors. CNTs play an important role in the performance of electrochemical biosensors, immunosensors, and DNA biosensors. Various methods have been developed for the design of sensors using CNTs in recent years. Herein we summarize the applications of CNTs in the construction of electrochemical sensors and biosensors along with other nanomaterials and conducting polymers.
Highlights
A sensor is a device which detects a variable quantity, usually electronically, and converts the measurement into signals to be recorded elsewhere
carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-modified electrodes have many advantages over other forms of carbon electrodes due to their small size, high electrical and thermal conductivity, high chemical stability, high mechanical strength, and high specific surface area. Their small diameter and long length allow them to be plugged into proteins with better electro-activity compared to other carbon based electrodes
CNTs can cause health risks due to their toxicity and harmful effects in the lung, where they can agglomerate leading to suffocation
Summary
A sensor is a device which detects a variable quantity, usually electronically, and converts the measurement into signals to be recorded elsewhere. The electrochemical sensors are very promising analytical methods because of their high degree of selectivity and sensitivity They are more useful and easy to determine the concentrations of various analytes in samples such as fluids and dissolved solid materials. Nanomaterials are usually used to take advantage of a larger surface area for biomolecules to be immobilized This generally increases the number of binding sites available for the detection of a specific chemical analyte [1]. CNTs behave as either metals or semiconductors, depending on the diameter and the degree of helicity [4] They are suitable for the modification of various electrodes due to their high electronic conductivity for the electron transfer reactions and better electrochemical and chemical stabilities in both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions [5]. Electrochemical detection based on a voltammetric and chronopotentiometric techniques was mostly discussed, whereas some other detection techniques related with electrophoresis, chromatography, and lab-on-a-chip were not included
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