Selective Recognition of Lead and Cadmium in Potable Water Using Single Polypyrrole Nanowire Decorated with Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Electrode

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ABSTRACT

The fabrication and characterization of a high-performance, robust, and highly sensitive sensor based on a single polypyrrole nanowire (sPpy NW) decorated with cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CoO_xNPs) for the selective recognition of lead (Pb²⁺) and cadmium (Cd²⁺) in potable water are described in this paper. The electrodeposition technique was used to prepare the sPpyNW/CoO_xNPs assembly, and square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SW-ASV) was used to assess sensor performance. Optimizing sensor performance, such as deposition time, deposition potential, and supporting electrolyte, was used to assess for best sensor performance. The developed sensor exhibited excellent linearity and the linear range for the detection of individual Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions was determined to be 0.00 to 0.11 μM and 0.00 to 0.12 μM, respectively. The detection limits observed for both Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ sensors are 0.22 μM (R² = 0.9520) and 0.013 μM (R² = 0.9723), respectively. The linear range for the detection of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ sensors present in the same sample was determined to be 0.00 to 0.09 μM, with a detection limit of 0.026 μM (R² = 0.8726) and 0.013 μM (R² = 0.9468) for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺, respectively. The observed results revealed that the functionalization of CoO_xNPs on the surface of a sPpyNW electrode seems to be a very effective way of developing a sensitive, selective, and stable electrochemical sensor for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ions.

Significance of the study:

This study demonstrates a novel sensor using a polypyrrole nanowire decorated with cobalt oxide nanoparticles for detecting lead and cadmium in potable water. The high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of the sensor underscore its potential for efficient environmental monitoring, ensuring safer drinking water and addressing critical public health concerns.

 Summary of the study:

The paper presents the development and characterization of a sensor based on a polypyrrole nanowire decorated with cobalt oxide nanoparticles for lead and cadmium detection in water. Utilizing square wave anodic stripping voltammetry, the sensor achieved excellent sensitivity and selectivity, with detection limits of 0.22 μM for cadmium and 0.013 μM for lead, making it a promising tool for water quality monitoring.