Open AccessDual-Modal Photoelectrochemical and Visualized Detection of Copper Ions
Author(s) -
Nan Zhang,
Dejian Dai,
Peiwen Hu,
Shuangming Guo,
Hong Yang
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
acs omega
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.779
H-Index - 40
ISSN - 2470-1343
DOI - 10.1021/acsomega.1c06673
Subject(s) - detection limit , copper , electrochromism , materials science , naked eye , computer science , signal (programming language) , metal ions in aqueous solution , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , chemistry , metal , electrode , chromatography , metallurgy , programming language
Copper is one of the extensively utilized heavy metals in modern industry and can be easily released into the environment due to high solubility of copper ions (Cu 2+ ). Its percolation in water and accumulation along the food chain pose a serious threat to human health. Hence, it is of great significance to explore a novel, facile, and sensitive detection method for Cu 2+ . Based on the intriguing photo-to-electricity conversion process of CdS QDs, as well as desirable electrochromic property of WO 3 NFs, a dual-modal photoelectrochemical (PEC) and visualized detection platform for Cu 2+ is fabricated. The electrochromic WO 3 NFs act as a display for the Cu 2+ concentration, of which the color change could be observed directly by the naked eye, while the PEC signal provides accurate data for further analysis. In this work, a sensitive detection of Cu 2+ in the range of 1 × 10 -5 to 5 × 10 -4 M is achieved, with a detection limit of 3.2 × 10 -6 M. The dual-modal analysis gives more choices for signal readouts with enhanced quantification reliability, which is adaptive for diverse application scenarios, especially for on-site investigation. This protocol offers a prototype for quick and reliable detection of the Cu 2+ concentrations, and is promising for other environmental pollutants.