Nitrogen functionalized biomass derived mesoporous carbon nanomaterials for electrochemical detection of lead (II) ions

This study has explored the sustainable solution after designing an economical metal-free biomass-derived nanocarbon for the selective sensing of lead. The nitrogen and sulfur-rich mesoporous nanocarbon is designed through a facile hydrothermal-assisted thermal annealing method. The high-temperature treatment gave nanocarbon unique carbon dot decorated layered morphology, while nitrogen and sulfur precursor thiourea and melamine strengthened the nanomaterial stability, sensitivity, and selectivity toward lead metal ions. The high specific surface area of mesoporous nanocarbon viz., 1671.93 m²/g with the pore width and pore volume of 2.02 nm and 0.476 cm³/g has enhanced the conductivity of as-synthesized sensor, which helps in increasing sensitivity toward lead. The high conductivity was also confirmed through cyclic voltammetry, where an 80 % increment in current was observed in the case of the modified electrode when compared with bare GCE. The differential pulse normal voltammetry and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry were performed to calculate the detection limit, where an excellent detection limit of 22 nM was obtained from the DPASV technique. Moreover, the nanomaterial was also tested for detecting lead in tap water. The as-synthesized nanocomposite is highly efficient and selective for the detection of lead. This study will motivate the researchers to engineer sustainable and efficient devices for sensing metal pollutants.