Zn/Fe nanocomposite based efficient electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of metal ions

Abstract

In this work, an efficient electrochemical sensor has been designed by simple coating on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using zinc oxide doped iron oxide (Zn/Fe) nanocomposite, which was employed for the simultaneous detection of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) in real water samples. Zn/Fe nanocomposite was prepared and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. It was casted on GCE surface and employed to detect metal ions sensitively. The electrocatalytic behavior of Zn/Fe coated GCE toward the redox reactions of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) was studied via the electrochemical technique. The analytical performance for the detection of the metal ions was assessed individually and simultaneously. It was found that the Zn/Fe coated GCE can sense Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) simultaneously and their detection is feasible, however, it is more sensitive toward the detection and quantification of Pb(II) in the multi-component sample. The developed sensor exhibited tremendous sensing performance and rapid response toward Pb(II) with higher sensitivity (0.235 μALmg −1 cm −2 ) and lower limit of detection (0.04 mgL −1 ). Further various analytical parameters were optimized for investigating Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) in real samples. The results suggested that the design of a very simple, fast and efficient electrochemical sensing system for toxic heavy metals in low-level determination is effectively possible. • Synthesis of Zn/Fe nanocomposite by simple method. • Design of Zn/Fe based electrochemical sensor for metal ions detection. • High sensitivity and low detection limit toward metal ions.