Voltammetric study of the affinity of divalent heavy metals for guanine functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2020-11-14 |
| Journal | Proceedings of 7th International Electronic Conference on Sensors and Applications |
| Authors | Simona Sawan, Khalil Hamze, Ali Youssef, Rayyan Boukarroum, Kamal H. Bouhadir |
| Institutions | Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Sciences Analytiques |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Analysis: Advanced Environmental Sensing via BDD Electrodes
Section titled âTechnical Documentation & Analysis: Advanced Environmental Sensing via BDD ElectrodesâExecutive Summary
Section titled âExecutive SummaryâThis research highlights the critical role of Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) electrodes in developing high-performance electrochemical sensors for environmental monitoring. 6CCVD specializes in providing the high-quality MPCVD diamond substrates necessary to replicate and advance this technology.
- Core Achievement: Successful development of a highly sensitive and reproducible voltammetric sensor for detecting divalent heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+).
- Material Foundation: The sensor relies on the exceptional chemical stability and wide potential window of a Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) electrode.
- Functionalization: The BDD surface was functionalized with Guanine Hydrazide (GH) coated Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (45 nm diameter) to enhance heavy metal affinity.
- Performance Metrics: Excellent reproducibility was demonstrated, achieving Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) values as low as 4% for Cu(II) detection.
- Sensitivity Range: High sensitivity was achieved in the low micromolar (”M) range, confirming the suitability of BDD for trace analysis in environmental samples.
- 6CCVD Value Proposition: We provide the necessary high-conductivity, low-roughness BDD substrates (PCD or SCD) required for scalable, next-generation electrochemical sensor arrays.
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical SpecificationsâThe following hard data points were extracted from the research, demonstrating the performance characteristics of the BDD-based sensor system.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrode Substrate | Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) | N/A | Used for electrochemical sensing |
| Nanoparticle Diameter | 45 | nm | Average size of spherical Fe3O4 NPs |
| Adsorption Affinity Order | Cu2+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+ | N/A | Determined electrochemically |
| Cu(II) Sensitivity (Range I) | 171.6 | ”A/”M | Linear range: 0.209 to 1.03 ”M |
| Pb(II) Sensitivity (Range I) | 156 | ”A/”M | Linear range: 0.232 to 0.809 ”M |
| Cd(II) Sensitivity (Range I) | 101.4 | ”A/”M | Linear range: 0.483 to 4.97 ”M |
| Cu(II) Reproducibility (RSD) | 4 | % | Over five independent measurements |
| Pb(II) Reproducibility (RSD) | 5 | % | Over five independent measurements |
| Cd(II) Reproducibility (RSD) | 10 | % | Over five independent measurements |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâThe experimental procedure involved a multi-step synthesis and characterization process, culminating in electrochemical analysis using the BDD platform.
- Nanoparticle Synthesis: Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized for use as the core adsorbent material.
- Surface Modification: The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) to facilitate subsequent functionalization.
- Functionalization: Guanine Hydrazide (GH) was elaborated onto the APTES-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles, creating the GH-APTES-Fe3O4 composite.
- Structural Characterization: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were employed to confirm the successful synthesis and functionalization steps.
- Morphological Analysis: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to verify the spherical morphology and average particle diameter (45 nm).
- Electrode Fabrication: The synthesized GH-APTES-Fe3O4 composite was coated onto a Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) electrode surface.
- Electrochemical Testing: Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV) was utilized to evaluate the electrochemical interaction and adsorption capacity of the functionalized BDD electrode toward divalent heavy metal ions.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & CapabilitiesâThis research validates the superior performance of BDD in advanced electrochemical sensing. 6CCVD is the global leader in supplying high-quality, custom MPCVD diamond substrates essential for scaling this technology from the lab to commercial deployment.
Applicable Materials
Section titled âApplicable MaterialsâTo replicate or extend this high-sensitivity heavy metal sensor, researchers require highly conductive and stable BDD material.
- Primary Recommendation: Heavy Boron-Doped Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD)
- Justification: Offers the required high conductivity (low resistivity) and chemical inertness for robust electrochemical applications, while providing cost-efficiency and large area potential (up to 125mm).
- Specifications: We offer PCD substrates with controlled boron doping levels to optimize conductivity and minimize background current.
- Alternative Recommendation: Heavy Boron-Doped Single Crystal Diamond (SCD)
- Justification: Ideal for microelectrode arrays or applications demanding ultra-low surface roughness (Ra < 1 nm) and superior crystalline uniformity.
Customization Potential
Section titled âCustomization Potentialâ6CCVDâs MPCVD capabilities directly address the needs of advanced sensor development, offering flexibility far beyond standard commercial electrodes.
| Requirement | 6CCVD Capability | Benefit to Sensor Development |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate Size | Custom plates/wafers up to 125mm (PCD) | Enables fabrication of large-scale sensor arrays and high-throughput systems. |
| Thickness Control | SCD/PCD thickness from 0.1”m to 500”m | Allows optimization of thermal management and mechanical stability for integrated devices. |
| Surface Finish | Polishing to Ra < 5 nm (PCD) or Ra < 1 nm (SCD) | Ensures uniform coating adhesion (e.g., for GH-APTES-Fe3O4) and minimizes surface defects that cause noise. |
| Integrated Contacts | Custom Metalization (Au, Pt, Ti, W, Cu) | We can deposit necessary contact pads (e.g., Ti/Pt/Au) directly onto the BDD surface for seamless integration into potentiostats and sensor packaging. |
Engineering Support
Section titled âEngineering SupportâThe success of this heavy metal sensing project hinges on precise material selection and surface preparation. 6CCVDâs in-house PhD team provides expert consultation for projects involving:
- Environmental Sensing: Optimizing BDD doping and surface termination for enhanced sensitivity in trace element detection.
- Electrochemical Applications: Designing custom electrode geometries and metal contacts for flow cells and microfluidic systems.
- Surface Functionalization: Advising on optimal diamond surface preparation (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen termination) to maximize the binding efficiency of functionalizing agents like APTES and Guanine Hydrazide.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly. We ship globally (DDU default, DDP available) to accelerate your research.
View Original Abstract
The smallest concentrations of heavy metal ions can be harmful to both the environment and human health. They are non-biodegradable and can accumulate all along the food chain, thus their onsite monitoring and removal is of great importance. In this work, a novel material based on (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) coated iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles functionalized with guanine hydrazide (GH) was elaborated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction were used to control the synthesis and functionalization steps of the nanoparticles. The morphology and particle size were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 45 nm were obtained. A boron-doped diamond electrode coated with GH-APTES-Fe3O4 nanoparticles was used to evaluate the electrochemical interaction of some divalent heavy metal ions with guanine hydrazide. Adsorption isotherms were investigated electrochemically and it was shown that the adsorption capacity of the nanoparticles towards heavy metals decreased in the following order: Cu2+>Pb2+>Cd2+. Moreover, the signals generated by square wave voltammetry exhibited two distinct linear response ranges; the first linear plot lies in the range of 0.209 to 1.03 ΌM with a sensitivity of 171.6 ”A/”M for Cu (II), 0.232 to 0.809 ΌM with a sensitivity of 156 ”A/”M for Pb (II) and 0.483 to 4.97 ΌM with a sensitivity of 101.4 ”A/”M for Cd (II). Furthermore, an excellent reproducibility was achieved with relative standard deviation (RSD) values of 4%, 5% and 10% respectively over five independent measurements.