Silver sulfide nanoparticles on MWCNTs stabilized by poloxamer: An enhanced electrochemical sensor for high sensitivity detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene

Abstract

In this manuscript, an electrochemical sensor modified with multi-walledcarbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silver sulfide (Ag2S) was prepared by means of potentiostatic deposition method for the detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. The poloxamer (Px) was then electrodeposition onto the surface of MWCNTs and Ag2S as a film-forming material to prevent the leakage of nanomaterial, to improve the stability of the modified electrode and then enhance the current signal, which contributed to the high sensitivity of the electrode. During the electrodeposition process, some influence factors, such as the deposition cycle number, deposition time, and applied potential of silver sulfide, and the deposition time and applied potential of Px have been inspected. Under optimal conditions, the obtained sensor showed good catalytic performance for the reduction reaction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. The proposed sensor also exhibited excellent stability and reproducibility, providing a wide linear ranges from 0.22 to 15.4 μmol L-1 and a low detection limit of 3.23 nmol L-1 (S/N = 3). It also provides a satisfactory result when applied to the actual sample detection.