Reduced graphene oxide/copper nanoparticle composites as electrochemical sensor materials for nitrate detection

• Main Authors: Sookhakian, Mehran, Teridi, Mohd Asri Mat, Tong, Goh Boon, Woi, Pei Meng, Khalil, Munawar, Alias, Yatimah
• Format: Article
• Published: Amer Chemical Soc 2021
• Subjects: QC Physics; QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/35302/

An efficient electrochemical nitrate (NO3-) sensor consisting of a copper nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide composite (Cu-rGO) with different rGO loadings was fabricated on indium tin oxide glass (ITO) by simple one-pot electrochemical deposition. The one-pot electrochemical deposition allows for the formation of Cu nanoparticles, reduction of graphene oxide, and decoration of Cu nanoparticles onto the rGO surface simultaneously. The as-electrochemically deposited Cu-rGO-modified ITO electrode was characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effect of rGO on the electrocatalytic activity of the Cu-rGO-modified ITO electrode toward NO3- reduction was investigated. The Cu-rGO composite with 0.5 mg mL(-1) rGO loading shows better sensitivity, a lower detection limit, and a wide linear detection range. Finally, the Cu-rGO-modified ITO electrode with 0.5 mg mL(-1) rGO loading was used to measure nitrate in real samples.