Graphene oxide amplified electrochemiluminescence of graphitic carbon nitride and its application in ultrasensitive sensing for Cu

Here for the first time, we present a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on graphitic carbon nitride/graphene oxide (g-C₃N₄/GO) hybrid for the ultrasensitive detection of Cu²⁺, which is a common pollutant in environmental system. The g-C₃N₄/GO shows stable ECL signal in the presence of the self-produced coreactant from oxygen reduction, and the ECL signal could be effectively quenched by Cu²⁺, the possible ECL detection mechanism has been proposed in detail. GO can not only significantly enhance the cathodic ECL signal of g-C₃N₄ (∼3.8 times), but also serve as immobilization platform for g-C₃N₄. After optimization of experimental conditions, the proposed protocol can offer an ultrasensitive, highly selective and recyclable method for the detection of Cu²⁺ with a low detection limit of 1.0 × 10⁻¹¹ M and a wide linear range from 1.0 × 10⁻¹¹ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ M. Moreover, the practicability of the ECL sensor in real wastewater samples is also tested, showing that the proposed ECL sensor could be a promising alternative method for the emergency and routine monitoring of Cu²⁺ in real sample.     

A fluorescent sensor for selective detection of cyanide using mesoporous graphitic carbon(IV) nitride

A turn-on fluorescence sensor, Cu(2+)-c-mpg-C(3)N(4), was developed for detection of CN(-) in aqueous solution by simply mixing cubic mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (c-mpg-C(3)N(4)) and aqueous solution of Cu(NO(3))(2). The highly sensitive detection of CN(-) with a detection limit of 80 nM is not only possible in aqueous solution but also in human blood serum.     

Catalytic gold nanoparticles for fluorescent detection of mercury(II) and lead(II) ions

In this study, we developed a fluorescence assay for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions using a gold nanoparticle (Au NP)-based probe. The Hg–Au and Pb–Au alloys that formed on the Au NP surfaces allowed the Au NPs to exhibit peroxidase-mimicking catalytic activity in the H₂O₂-mediated oxidation of Amplex UltraRed (AUR). The fluorescence of the AUR oxidation product increased upon increasing the concentration of either Hg²⁺ or Pb²⁺ ions. By controlling the pH values of 5 mM tris–acetate buffers at 7.0 and 9.0, this H₂O₂–AUR–Au NP probe detected Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions, respectively, both with limits of detection (signal-to-noise ratio: 3) of 4.0 nM. The fluorescence intensity of the AUR oxidation product was proportional to the concentrations of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions over ranges 0.05–1 μM (R² = 0.993) and 0.05–5 μM (R² = 0.996), respectively. The H₂O₂–AUR–Au NP probe was highly selective for Hg²⁺ (>100-fold) and Pb²⁺ (>300-fold) ions in the presence of other tested metal ions. We validated the practicality of this simple, selective, and sensitive H₂O₂–AUR–Au NP probe through determination of the concentrations of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions in a lake water sample and of Pb²⁺ ions in a blood sample. To the best of our knowledge, this system is the first example of Au NPs being used as enzyme-mimics for the fluorescence detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions.     

A carbon nitride electrode for highly selective and sensitive determination of lead(II)

We have constructed a carbon nitride electrode modified with a bismuth film and show that it can be used for the electroanalysis of lead(II) by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The combination of such materials is shown to greatly improve the sensing capability of the electrode. Under the optimal conditions, the electrochemical response of the modified electrode is linearly related to the concentration of Pb(II) in the 6 – 1,000 nM concentration range (R = 0.9983). The detection limit is 2.0 pM (at an SNR of 3), and the sensitivity is 8 times better of that of respective graphite electrodes. The sensor enables rapid, highly sensitive, continuous, and environmentally friendly determination of trace levels of Pb(II) at affordable costs.

Fluorescence detection of mercury(II) and lead(II) ions using aptamer/reporter conjugates

We have developed a fluorescence technique for the detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions using polythymine (T₃₃)/benzothiazolium-4-quinolinium dimer derivative (TOTO-3) and polyguanine (G₃₃)/terbium ions (Tb³⁺) conjugates, respectively. Hg²⁺ ions induce T₃₃ to form folded structures, leading to increased fluorescence of the T₃₃/TOTO-3 conjugates. Because Pb²⁺ ions compete with Tb³⁺ ions to form complexes with G₃₃, the extent of formation of the G₃₃-Tb³⁺ complexes decreases upon increasing the Pb²⁺ concentration, leading to decreased fluorescence at 545 nm when excited at 290 nm. To minimize interference from Hg²⁺ ions during the detection of Pb²⁺ ions, we conducted two-step fluorescence measurements; prior to addition of the G₃₃/Tb³⁺ probe, we recorded the fluorescence of a mixture of the T₃₃/TOTO-3 conjugates and Hg²⁺ ions. The fluorescence signal obtained was linear with respect to the Hg²⁺ concentration over the range 25.0-500 nM (R² = 0.99); for Pb²⁺ ions, it was linear over the range 3.0-50 nM (R² = 0.98). The limits of detection (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3) for Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions were 10.0 and 1.0 nM, respectively. Relative to other techniques for the detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions in soil and water samples, our present approach is simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.     

石墨相氮化碳的液相合成及光催化性能研究进展

石墨相氮化碳是类石墨层状聚合物材料,因其特殊的能带和电子结构,近年来成为功能材料研究领域的热点.液相合成法具有温和多变的特性,是石墨相氮化碳合成的重要途径.本文作者就现阶段液相介质合成氮化碳的主要方法进行了介绍,主要包括液相电沉积、脉冲激光烧蚀、溶剂热合成法等.介绍了不同液相介质和合成参数对制备氮化碳材料晶型、形貌等的影响.同时就溶剂热合成氮化碳在光催化领域的研究进展进行了总结.在未来的研究中,液相合成法将极大的丰富氮化碳材料结构优化的途径,有助于推动多功能聚合物材料的深入研究.     

Synthesis and application of a natural-based nanocomposite with carbon nanotubes for sensitive voltammetric determination of lead (II) ions

ABSTRACT

A modified carbon paste electrode has been developed for the determination of Pb(ΙΙ) ions based on Fe₃O₄/eggshell magnetic nanocomposite. The structure and morphology of Fe₃O₄/eggshell were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared nanocomposite was also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The electrochemical procedure was based on the accumulation and determination of Pb(ΙΙ) ions at the surface of the modified carbon paste electrode with Fe₃O₄/eggshell nanocomposites and carbon nanotubes by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Various experimental parameters involved in the preconcentration of Pb(ΙΙ) ions and voltammetric stripping step were studied. Under the optimum conditions, the voltammetric peak current of Pb(ΙΙ) occurs at a potential about ?0.5 V. Also, the voltammetric peak current increased linearly with Pb(ΙΙ) concentration in the range of 0.5–200 ng mL^?1 and a detection limit of 0.15 ng mL^?1 was obtained for Pb(ΙΙ). The selectivity of the proposed electrode for Pb(ΙΙ) ions in the presence of some cations was also examined. The practical application of the proposed modified electrode was evaluated by the determination of Pb(ΙΙ) ions in human hair and water samples. The results were satisfactory for the spiked samples.     

Mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride materials: synthesis and modifications

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), as a kind of polymeric semiconductor that has unique electronic structure and excellent chemical stability, has attracted increasing attention of researchers. Moreover, the raw materials for the preparation of g-C₃N₄ are various and easily accessible. All of these have provided favorable advantages for the fast development of g-C₃N₄. Compared to bulk g-C₃N₄, mesoporous g-C₃N₄ has more prominent natures, such as high specific surface area, large pore volume, and the increased amount of surface active sites. Therefore, great efforts have been devoted to develop mesoporous g-C₃N₄ (MCN). Up to now, many methods have been explored for the synthesis of MCN, such as hard-template method, soft-template method, template-free method, sol–gel method, and so on. Among these methods, the hard template method is used most widely. In this paper, the recent research on the synthesis of MCN was reviewed. In addition, the modifications to the obtained MCN, which lead to performance enhancement of the MCN for better applications, were also summarized.     

A glassy carbon electrode modified with graphene, gold nanoparticles and chitosan for ultrasensitive determination of lead(II)

We have modified a glassy carbon electrode by single-step electrodeposition of graphene (GR), gold nanoparticles (AgNPs), and chitosan (CS) directly from a solution containing graphene oxide, tetrachloroauric acid, and chitosan. The surface and electrochemical properties of the film-modified electrode were investigated by SEM and TEM images. The AuNPs have a diameter of about 20 nm and are uniformly dispersed in the matrix. Combining the advantages of GR (i.e., high surface area and conductivity), of AuNPs (excellent electrical conductivity) and CS (excellent film-forming ability and good water permeability), the hybrid film effectively enhances electron-transfer and promotes the response to lead(II) ion. Under the optimum conditions, a linear relationship exists between electrical current and the concentration of lead (II) ion in the range between 0.5 to 100 μg?L-1, with a detection limit of 1 ng?L-1 (at an SNR of 3). The electrode was successfully applied to the detection of lead(II) in spiked samples of river water.

Photocatalytic debromination of decabromodiphenyl ether by graphitic carbon nitride

The graphitic carbon nitride(g-C3N4) is found to be an efficient photocatalyst for the reductive degradation of decabromodiphenyl ether(BDE209) under UV irradiation(>360 nm).g-C3N4 was prepared by heating dicyandiamide.X-ray diffraction,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,and UV-vis spectra were used to characterize the properties of as-prepared catalysts.The photoreductive degradation kinetics of BDE209 was further investigated under different reaction conditions.The degradation of BDE209 is a stepwise process,and the bromines at meta positions are much more susceptible to remove than those at the ortho and para positions.A possible photoreductive mechanism was also proposed.     

石墨相氮化碳材料在样品前处理中的研究进展

作为一种新型非金属材料,石墨相氮化碳以其独特的优点,如简单的制备方法、优良的化学及热稳定性、良好的生物兼容性和无毒性等,受到越来越多的关注。石墨相氮化碳及其复合材料目前已被广泛应用于电催化、光催化、生物成像等领域。由于具有大的比表面积,同时又是富电子的疏水材料,石墨相氮化碳相关材料被认为是一种理想的样品前处理吸附剂。该文探讨了近年来石墨相氮化碳及其复合材料作为固相萃取、分散固相萃取、磁性固相萃取、固相微萃取吸附剂在样品前处理中的应用,并对未来的发展趋势和应用前景进行了展望,以期为相关领域的研究提供帮助。     

Synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride through pyrolysis of melamine and its electrocatalysis for oxygen reduction reaction

Graphitic carbon nitride（g-C₃N₄） was synthesized via direct pyrolysis of melamine and its electrocatalysis toward oxygen reduction reaction was studied.The morphology and structures of the products were characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray powder diffractometer.It was found that higher pyrolysis temperature resulted in more perfect crystalline structure of the graphitic carbon nitride product.Electrochemical characterizations show that the g-C₃N₄ has electrocatalytic activity toward ORR through a two-step and two-electron process.     

Ionothermal synthesis of crystalline, condensed, graphitic carbon nitride

Herein we report the synthesis of a crystalline graphitic carbon nitride, or g-C(3)N(4), obtained from the temperature-induced condensation of dicyandiamide (NH(2)C(=NH)NHCN) by using a salt melt of lithium chloride and potassium chloride as the solvent. The proposed crystal structure of this g-C(3)N(4) species is based on sheets of hexagonally arranged s-heptazine (C(6)N(7)) units that are held together by covalent bonds between C and N atoms which are stacked in a graphitic, staggered fashion, as corroborated by powder X-ray diffractometry and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.     

Solid-phase extraction of lead(II) ions using multiwalled carbon nanotubes grafted with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were grafted with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (MWCNTs-TAA) and employed for solid phase extraction and preconcentration of trace lead ions prior to its determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The material was characterized by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, thermosgravimetric and elemental analysis. The effects of pH value, shaking time, sample volume, elution conditions and potentially interfering ions were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity is 38?mg?g^?1 of Pb(II), the detection limit is 0.32?ng?mL^?1, the enrichment factor is 60, and the relative standard deviation is 3.5% (n?=?6). The method has been applied to the preconcentration of trace amounts of Pb(II) in environmental water samples with satisfactory results.

Tuning of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for photocatalysis: A critical review

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is a remarkable semiconductor catalyst that has attracted widespread attention as a visible light photo-responsive, metal-free, low-cost photocatalytic material. Pristine g-C₃N₄ suffers fast recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, low surface area, and insufficient visible light absorption, resulting in low photocatalytic efficiency. This review presents the recent progress, perspectives, and persistent challenges in the development of g-C₃N₄-based photocatalytic materials. Several approaches employed to improve the visible light absorption of the materials including metal and non-metal doping, co-doping, and heterojunction engineering have been extensively discussed. These approaches, in general, were found to decrease the material’s bandgap, increase the surface area, reduce charge carrier recombination, and promote visible light absorption, thereby enhancing the overall photocatalytic performance. The material has been widely used for different applications such as photocatalytic hydrogen production, water splitting, CO₂ conversion, and water purification. The work has also identified various limitations and weaknesses associated with the material that hinders its maximum utilization under visible illumination and presented state-of-the-art solutions that have been reported recently. The summary presented in this review would add an invaluable contribution to photocatalysis research and facilitate the development of efficient visible light-responsive semiconducting materials.     

Electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of biomarker using Ru(bpy)3-encapsulated silica nanosphere labels

Here, we describe a new approach for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-encapsulated silica nanoparticle (SiO₂@Ru) as labels. A water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion method was employed for one-pot synthesis of SiO₂@Ru nanoparticles. The as-synthesized SiO₂@Ru nanoparticles have a narrow size distribution, which allows reproducible loading of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ inside the silica shell and of α-fetoprotein antibody (anti-AFP), a model antibody, on the silica surface with glutaraldehyde as linkage. The silica shell effectively prevents leakage of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ into the aqueous solution due to strong electrostatic interaction between the positively charged Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ and the negatively charged surface of silica. The porous structure of silica shell allowed the ion to move easily through the pore to exchange energy/electrons with the entrapped Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. The as-synthesized SiO₂@Ru can be used as a label for ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers through a sandwiched immunoassay process. The calibration range of AFP concentration was 0.05-30 ng mL⁻¹ with linear relation from 0.05 to 20 ng mL⁻¹ and a detection limit of 0.035 ng mL⁻¹ at 3σ. The resulting immunosensors possess high sensitivity and good analytical performance.