Synthesis and Electrochemical Application of MxFe3-XO4 (M=Cu,Co) for the Detection and Removal of Metal Pollutants

Abstract

Over the last two decades, nanomaterials (metallic nanoparticles, carbonaceous nanostructures) have triggered great interest thanks to their specific physic-chemical properties. The improvements they have made in the field of electro-analysis are numerous. Thus, a wide range of physic-chemical technologies based on the use of inorganic materials for the detection and removal of water pollutants has become a promising voice. In this context, we were interested in the design of electrodes modified by nanomaterials of the spinel type CxFe3-xO4 for the detection and quantification of metallic micro pollutants in water. The phases of the spinel system were synthesized by the sol-gel method, and physic-chemical characterization was performed by ATD-TG, DRX and MEB. The methods used for the electrochemical test are cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS).The results of the physic-chemical analysis of the oxides showed that the phase is obtained at a calcination temperature of 600°C, and the electrochemical tests of the elaborate electrode revealed a very high sensitivity to ions (Mn2+, cd2+, pb2+, Hg2+). Keywords: nanoparticles, spinals, metal pollutants, modified electrode, electrochemical tests.