Ultrasensitive and selective colorimetric detection of thiourea using silver nanoprobes

A novel colorimetric thiourea (TU) sensor was developed utilizing citrate modified silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The introduction of TU reduced the overall surface charges of the AgNPs, resulting in aggregation of AgNPs and a colorimetric response correlating with the concentration of TU. The detection of TU could be realized within 2 min, with an ultralow detection limit of 0.8 nM by the absorption method. In addition, the AgNPs sensor also showed good selectivity in the presence of potential interfering compounds. Since common steps such as modification and separation could be successfully avoided, the sensor developed here could provide a simple, cost-effective yet rapid and sensitive measurement tool for TU detection, and may provide new opportunities in the development of sensors for food safety and environmental monitoring in the future.     

Electrochemical Synthesis of β‐Cyclodextrin Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles and Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for the Determination of Hydrazine

β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) via one step electrochemical potentiodyanamic method has been prepared. Scanning electron microscopy, Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to study the role of β‐CD on preparation of AgNPs and RGO. RGO/β‐CD/AgNPs modified GCE showed good electrochemical activity towards electro‐oxidation of hydrazine in terms of decreasing the over potential and increasing the peak current. The kinetic parameters such as electron transfer coefficient (α) and diffusion coefficient (Do) of the modified electrode towards hydrazine were determined to be 0.66 and 0.97×10^?6 cm² s^?1, respectively. The LOD of our sensor was many folds lower than that of recommended concentration of hydrazine in drinking water by United States Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization. The sensor exhibited a wide linear range from 0.08 to 1110 µM and a very low detection limit (LOD) of 1.4 nM. In addition, the sensor selectively determined hydrazine even in the presence of common interferents.     

Eco‐friendly Sensors Developed by Herbal Based Silver Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Detection of Mercury (II) Ion

In our study, the single‐use & eco‐friendly electrochemical sensor platform based on herbal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was developed for detection of mercury (II) ion (Hg²⁺). For this purpose, the surface of pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was modified with AgNPs and folic acid (FA), respectively. The concentrations of AgNPs and FA were firstly optimized by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) to obtain an effective surface modification of PGE. Each step at the surface modification process was characterized by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedence spectroscopy (EIS). The limit of detection (LOD) for Hg²⁺ was estimated and found to be 8.43 μM by CV technique. The sensor presented an excellent selectivity for Hg²⁺ against to other heavy metal ions such as Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺ and Mn²⁺. Moreover, a rapid, selective and sensitive detection of Hg²⁺ was successfully performed in the samples of tap water within 1 min.     

Differential electrochemical behaviour of phytofabricated and chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles towards hydrogen peroxide sensing**

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most widely used nanomaterials for biomedical applications. However, the impact of its synthesis by chemical and plant-mediated routes on its differential electrochemical behaviour has not been examined till date. Here, we report for the first time the differential study of the electrochemical behaviour of the AgNPs synthesized by different routes. First, the AgNPs were obtained by different routes (chemical and phytofabrication) and extensively characterized to compare their physical properties. Thereafter, a comparison of electron transfer kinetics between chemically synthesized (Ag−C) and phyto-fabricated (Ag-Phy) nanoparticles (NPs) has been studied by electrochemical techniques such as potentiodynamic cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). To further investigate the electrocatalytic properties of both types of AgNPs, we have used the peroxide moieties (H₂O₂), and the Ag−C NPs-based sensor probe has been reported to have four times better sensitivity than the Ag−Phy NPs-based sensor. The AgNPs modified sensor probes have also been tested in real-world environments to explore the consistency of their performance in complex matrices by using clinical urine samples, where we found comparable sensitivity to the standard conditions.     

Design of Electrochemically Modified fMWCNT‐pencil Graphite Electrode Decorated with Cu and Ag Nanofilm and its Electrocatalytic Behavior Towards Imazethapyr

Herein, a facile procedure was developed for designing an electrochemical sensor based on pencil graphite electrode modified with electrochemically synthesized silver and copper nanoparticles (AgNP and CuNP) supported on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f MWCNTs). The electrochemical and morphological characterization was carried out by cyclic voltammetry, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Powder X‐ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. The designed sensor exhibited electrocatalytic behavior towards the reduction of Imazethapyr. Results indicates the combination of AgNPs, CuNPs and f MWCNTs on PGE produced remarkable enhancement in electrocatalytic and sensing properties. Various electro‐kinetic parameters like R_ct, k_app, n, α, E⁰, k⁰, Γ, D and k have been evaluated by CV, impedance and Chronoamperometric studies. The electrochemical performance was improved by optimizing the effect of pH, scan rate, amount of f MWCNTs and deposition parameters of AgNP and CuNP. The sensor was efficaciously applied for determination of Imazethapyr and exhibited a linear correlation in the concentration range of 0.01–5.0 μg mL⁻¹ with low detection limits, 0.159 ng mL⁻¹ using AdSWV. The fabricated sensor exhibited good accuracy, acceptable stability and high efficacy for quantitative determination of Imazethapyr in real samples with notable recoveries ranging from 98 % to 100.2 %.     

1-Furoylthiourea-Sonogel-Carbon electrodes: Structural and electrochemical characterization

A new type of sensor based on Sonogel-Carbon materials modified with 1-(2-furoyl)-3-(1-naphthyl)thiourea is presented to be used as an amperometric sensor for metals. Different percentages of modifier were tested in order to optimise the structural and mechanical properties, as well as the electrochemical behaviour.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and powder XRD were used for the structural characterization of these electrodes. The 1-(2-furoyl)-3-(1-naphthyl)thiourea did not modify significantly the structural and mechanical properties of the Sonogel-Carbon electrodes, being similar to other modifications carried out previously in these materials. For the study of the electrochemical response, anodic stripping differential pulse voltammetry (ASDPV) was employed, optimising other parameters of measurement such as pH of the buffer, potential and accumulation time and pulse amplitude. The electrochemical response of the modified electrodes improved significantly with respect to the non-modified electrode, giving good signals and acceptable detection limit.     

SERS study of the interaction of thiourea with a copper electrode in sulphuric acid solution

The electrochemical interaction of thiourea with a copper electrode in sulphuric acid solution was investigated using Fourier transform Raman and in situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. SERS spectra of thiourea at a copper electrode were obtained in solutions containing greater than 5 ppm thiourea; the spectra obtained were consistent with adsorption of the molecule on the copper electrode via the sulphur atom. The SERS spectra provide evidence of complex formation involving thiourea and sulphate species at the electrode surface.     

Determination of thiourea using a carbon paste electrode decorated with copper oxide nanoparticles

We report on a novel sensor for the electrochemical determination of thiourea (TU). It is based on an active carbon paste electrode modified with copper oxide nanoparticles. The modified electrode and the electrochemical properties of thiourea on its surface were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Under optimized conditions, the detection limit is 20 μg?L^?1 of TU. The method was applied to the determination of thiourea in fruit juice, orange peel and industrial waste water.

A Robust Electrochemical Sensor Based on Butterfly-shaped Silver Nanostructure for Concurrent Quantification of Heavy Metals in Water Samples

Heavy metals in drinking water have become a severe threat to human health. Detection of heavy metals has been achieved by electrochemical sensors that are modified with complex nanocomposites; however, reproducibility of these sensors is still a big challenge when applied in commercial settings. Here, a simple, very robust, and sensitive electrochemical sensor based on a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with butterfly-shaped silver nanostructure (AgNS/SPCE) has been developed for the concurrent determination of cadmium (II), lead (II), copper (II), and mercury (II) in water samples. The electrochemical behavior of the modified electrodes was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The AgNS/SPCE showed distinct peak potentials and a significant increase in the peak currents for all heavy metals, attributed to the high electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic activity of the synthesized butterfly-shaped AgNS. Moreover, the excellent stability and sensitivity towards simultaneous quantification of heavy metals have been obtained with detection limits of 0.4 ppb, 2.5 ppb, 7.3 ppb, and 0.7 ppb for Cd (II), Pb (II), Cu (II), and Hg (II), respectively. Besides, the constructed sensor was successfully applied to simultaneously quantify target heavy metals in spiked water samples. Owing to excellent sensitivity, high robustness, affordability, and fast response, the presented electrochemical sensor could be incorporated into a portable and miniaturized potentiostat device, making it a promising method for on-site water analysis.     

纳米银粒子在氨基注入氧化铟锡玻璃基体表面的高密度吸附

研究了纳米银（AgNPs）在氨基注入氧化铟锡（ITO）薄膜表面的吸附.通过氨基注入的疗法得到了氨基功能化的ITO表面（NH₂/ITO）,并将纳米银直接吸附在NH₂/ITO上得到纳米银修饰NH₂/ITO基体（AgNPs/NH₂/ITO）.使用傅里叶红外光谱、X射线光电子能谱、原子力显微镜、扫描电镜、紫外可见光谱和电化学方法对AgNPs/NH₂/ITO制备过程进行了表征.结果显示纳米银可在NH₂/ITO表面高密度地吸附,并且纳米银有良好的电化学活性.这种不借助于有机连接分子吸附纳米银的方法为制备纳米银修饰材料提供了新的选择.     

Electrochemical Detection of Para‐nitrophenol using Copper Metal Nanoparticles Modified Gold Electrode

para‐Nitrophenol (p‐NP) is a high priority environmental pollutant. For the sake of safety, sensitive detection of its presence in water resources and food is highly important. The present article describes the use of copper metal nanoparticles for selective and sensitive electrochemical detection of p‐NP in pure and real sample. For this the gold electrode was fabricated by polyvenylpyrrolidone stabilized copper metal nanoparticles (ca . 4 nm d.) via self‐assembled 4,4′‐bipyridine monolayer and characterized by microscopic and electrochemical techniques. The newly developed sensor permits for sensitive detection of p‐NP in a linear concentration range of 1–500 μM with lowest detection limit of 0.34 nM and high sensitivities 247.1 μA cm⁻² μM⁻¹. The sensor electrode exhibited high stability, reproducibility, good selectivity in the presence of potential interfering agents and had an excellent capability for the selective determination of p‐NP in river water without preliminary treatments.     

Modification of the Electrode Surface by Ag Nanoparticles Decorated Nano Diamond‐graphite for Voltammetric Determination of Ceftizoxime

A modified glassy carbon electrode with a film of nano diamond? graphite nano mixture decorated with Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs? NDG/GCE) was constructed and used for sensitive voltammetric determination of ceftizoxime (CFX). Morphology of AgNPs? NDG/GCE has been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Experimental variables such as deposited amount of the modifier suspension, pH of the supporting electrolyte and accumulation potential and time were optimized by monitoring of CV and LSV responses of CFX. The results illustrate that AgNPs? NDG/GCE exhibits an excellent electrocatalytic effect in the electro‐oxidation of CFX that leads to a considerable improvement in the corresponding anodic peak current. This also allows the development of a highly sensitive voltammetric sensor for the determination of CFX in pharmaceutical and clinical samples. Under the optimum conditions, the modified electrode showed a linear response to the concentration of CFX in the range of 0.02–7 µM with detection limit of 6 nM. The prepared modified electrode has some remarkable electrochemical properties such as simple preparation, high sensitivity, excellent repeatability and reproducibility and long‐term stability.     

Evaluation of agarose gel electrophoresis for characterization of silver nanoparticles in industrial products

Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) has been used extensively for characterization of pure nanomaterials or mixtures of pure nanomaterials. We have evaluated the use of AGE for characterization of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in an industrial product (described as strong antiseptic). Influence of different stabilizing agents (PEG, SDS, and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate), buffers (TBE and Tris Glycine), and functionalizing agents (mercaptosuccinic acid (TMA) and proteins) has been investigated for the characterization of AgNPs in the industrial product using different sizes‐AgNPs standards. The use of 1% SDS, 0.1% TMA, and Tris Glycine in gel, electrophoresis buffer and loading buffer led to the different sizes‐AgNPs standards moved according to their size/charge ratio (obtaining a linear relationship between apparent mobility and mean diameter). After using SDS and TMA, the behavior of the AgNPs in the industrial product (containing a casein matrix) was completely different, being not possible their size characterization. However we demonstrated that AGE with LA‐ICP‐MS detection is an alternative method to confirm the protein corona formation between the industrial product and two proteins (BSA and transferrin) maintaining NPs‐protein binding (what is not possible using SDS‐PAGE).     

Electrochemical sensing of catechol using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a composite made from silver nanoparticles, polydopamine, and graphene

We report on the modification of a glassy carbon electrode with a composite consisting of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), polydopamine, and graphene to give an electrochemical sensor for catechol. The composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and the electrochemical behavior of catechol at the modified electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical response is greatly enhanced and thought to result from a combination of beneficial effects including the good conductivity and large surface area of the AgNPs, the high conductivity of graphene, the synergistic effects of the composite, and the increased quantity of catechol that is adsorbed on the surface of the electrode. Differential pulse voltammetric responses are proportional to the concentration of catechol between 0.5 and 240?μM levels of catechol, and the detection limit is 0.1?μM (S/N?=?3). The performance of the sensor was evaluated with catechol-spiked water samples, and recoveries range from 96.5 % to 103.1 %. The results indicated that the composite presented here is a promising substrate for use in electrochemical sensing.

Electrochemical determination of nitrate on Ag nanoparticles-decorated poly (direct blue 15) electrodes

In this study, for the first time, the electro-polymerization of Direct blue15 (DB15), an azo dye, was carried out on the surface of ITO. Furthermore, the poly(DB15) surface was electrochemically decorated with Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), and the fabricated AgNPs/PDB15 electrodes were examined as nitrate sensors. Compared to unmodified ITO electrode, the AgNPs/PDB15 electrode had greatly improved electrochemical response to nitrate reduction. The nitrate determination in a linear range from 1.0×10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ to 2.27×10⁻³ mol L⁻¹ was performed with a detection limit of 9.66 μM. The synthesized electrode is a promising sensor for the electrochemical detection of nitrate pollutants in water.     

Flower‐like Ni(II)‐based Metal‐organic Framework‐decorated Ag Nanoparticles: Fabrication,Characterization and Electrochemical Detection of Glucose

Glucose concentration monitoring is important for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. In this work, a composite material of AgNPs/MOF‐74(Ni) was prepared for electrochemical determination of glucose. AgNPs/MOF‐74(Ni) was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical properties of the glassy carbon electrodes modified with the AgNPs/MOF‐74(Ni) composites were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and current‐time curve (I‐t curve) with three electrode system. The determination of glucose with the electrode modified by AgNPs/MOF‐74(Ni) has a linear range of 0.01～4 mM with the correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.994. The detection limit is 4.7 μM (S/N=3) and the sensitivity is 1.29 mA ? mM^?1 ? cm^?2. In addition, this sensing system possesses reasonable reproducibility and stability. The good performance of electrochemical determination for glucose is attributed to the concerted effect of silver nanoparticles and MOF‐74(Ni) on the promotion of glucose oxidation     

AgNP/Bi/Nafion‐modified Disposable Electrodes for Sensitive Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) Detection in Aerosol Samples

A new method for modifying electrodes with Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) using electrospray deposition for sensitive, selective detection of Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) in aerosol samples when combined with Bismuth and Nafion coating and square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) is reported. Carbon stencil‐printed electrodes (CSPEs) fabricated on a polyethylene transparency (PET) sheet were produced for an inexpensive, simple to fabricate, disposable sensor that can be used with the microliter sample volumes for analysis. Sensor performance was improved by modifying the electrode surface with electrospray‐deposited AgNPs. The use of electrospray deposition resulted in more uniform particle dispersion across the electrode surface when compared to drop‐casting. Using AgNP‐modified electrodes combined with Bi and Nafion, experimental detection limits (LODs) of 5.0, 0.5, and 0.1 μg L⁻¹ for Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II), respectively, were achieved. The linear working ranges were 5.0–400.0 μg L⁻¹, 0.5–400.0 μg L⁻¹, and 0.1–500.0 μg L⁻¹ for Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II), respectively. Interference studies showed Cu(II) was the only metal that interfered with this assay but inference could be eliminated with the addition of ferricyanide directly to the sample solution. This electrochemical sensor was applied for the simultaneous determination of Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) within source particulate matter (PM) samples collected on filters using an aerosol test chamber.     

Upgrading Electroresistive Memory from Binary to Ternary Through Single‐Atom Substitution in the Molecular Design

Herein, two molecules based on urea and thiourea, which differ by only a single atom, were designed, successfully synthesized, and fabricated into resistive random‐access memory devices (RRAM). The urea‐based molecule showed binary write‐once‐read‐many (WORM) storage behavior, whereas the thiourea‐based molecule demonstrated ternary storage behavior. Atomic‐force microscopy (AFM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show that both molecules have smooth morphology and ordered layer‐by‐layer lamellar packing, which is beneficial for charge transportation and, consequently, device performance. Additionally, the optical and electrochemical properties indicate that the thiourea‐based molecule has a lower bandgap and may be polarized by trapped charges, thus the formation of a continuous conductive channel and electric switching occurs at lower bias voltage, which results in ternary WORM behavior. This study, together with our previous work on single‐atom substitution, may be useful to tune and improve device performance in the future design of organic memory.     

Electrochemical and microfabrication strategies for remotely operated smart chemical sensors: Application of anodic stripping coulometry to calibration-free measurements of copper and mercury

Remote unattended sensor networks are increasingly sought after to monitor the drinking water distribution grid, industrial wastewater effluents, and even rivers and lakes. One of the biggest challenges for application of such sensors is the issue of in-field device calibration. With this challenge in mind, we report here the use of anodic stripping coulometry (ASC) as the basis of a calibration-free micro-fabricated electrochemical sensor (CF-MES) for heavy metal determinations. The sensor platform consisted of a photo-lithographically patterned gold working electrode on SiO₂ substrate, which was housed within a custom stopped-flow thin-layer cell, with a total volume of 2–4 μL. The behavior of this platform was characterized by fluorescent particle microscopy and electrochemical studies utilizing Fe(CN)₆^3−/4− as a model analyte. The average charge obtained for oxidation of 500 μM ferrocyanide after 60 s over a 10 month period was 176 μC, corresponding to a volume of 3.65 μL (RSD = 2.4%). The response of the platform to copper concentrations ranging from 50 to 7500 ppb was evaluated, and the ASC results showed a linear dependence of charge on copper concentrations with excellent reproducibility (RSD ≤ 2.5%) and accuracy for most concentrations (≤5–10% error). The platform was also used to determine copper and mercury mixtures, where the total metallic content was measurable with excellent reproducibility (RSD ≤ 4%) and accuracy (≤6% error).     

Anodisation of copper in thiourea- and formamidine disulphide-containing acid solution.: Part I. Identification of products and reaction pathway

The anodic behaviour of copper in aqueous 0.5 M sulphuric acid containing different amounts of dissolved thiourea or formamidine disulphide was investigated at 298 K, combining data from electrochemical polarisation, chemical analysis, UV–vis spectroscopy, XPS and EDAX analysis, and structural information on copper–thiourea complexes. The main reactions depend on the applied potential and initial thiourea concentration. In the potential range −0.30≤E≤0.075 V (versus SCE), the electro-oxidation of thiourea to formamidine disulphide, the formation of Cu(I)–thiourea soluble complexes, and Cu(I)–thiourea complex polymer-like films, are the most relevant processes. The formation of this film depends on certain critical thiourea/copper ion molar concentration ratios at the reaction interface. At low positive potentials, the former reaction is under intermediate kinetic control, with the diffusion of thiourea from the solution playing a key role. For E≥0.075 V, soluble Cu(II) ions in the solution are formed and the anodic film is gradually changed to another one consisting of copper sulphide and residual copper. The new film assists the localised electrodissolution of copper. A complex reaction pathway for copper anodisation in these media for the low and high potential range is advanced.