Electrochemical Detection of Nitrite Using an Asymmetrically Substituted Cobalt Phthalocyanine Conjugated to Metal Tungstate Nanoparticles

This paper explores the synthesis and characterisation of an asymmetrical Co phthalocyanine (CoPc), and its covalent linking to two tungsten nanoparticles: bismuth tungsten oxide (Bi₂WO₆) and nickel tungsten oxide (NiWO₄). The nanoparticles were also mixed with the CoPc. The CoPc, nanoparticles and their respective conjugates were used as electrocatalysts in the electrochemical detection of nitrite. The electrocatalysts studied in this work had sensitivities ranging from 3–133 μA/mM while the limits of detection (LoDs) ranged between 0.063 μM and 1.7 μM. Bi₂WO₆ and its conjugate exhibited better LoD than corresponding NiWO₄ and conjugate.