A Low Cost Fe3O4–Activated Biochar Electrode Sensor by Resource Utilization of Excess Sludge for Detecting Tetrabromobisphenol A

Abstract

Owing to its ubiquity in natural water systems and the high toxicity of its accumulation in the human body, it is essential to develop simple and low-cost electrochemical sensors for the determination of 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). In this work, Fe3O4–activated biochar, which is based on excess sludge, was prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and BET analysis to analyze its basic features. Subsequently, it was used to fabricate an electrochemical sensor for the detection of TBBPA. The electrochemical test results revealed that the Fe3O4–activated biochar film exhibited a larger active surface area, a lower charge transfer resistance and a higher accumulation efficiency toward TBBPA. Consequently, the peak current of TBBPA was significantly enhanced on the surface of the Fe3O4–activated biochar. The TBBPA sensing platform developed using the Fe3O4–activated biochar composite film, with relatively a lower detection limit (3.2 nM) and a wider linear range (5–1000 nM), was successfully utilized to determine TBBPA levels in water samples. In summary, the effective application of Fe3O4–activated biochar provided eco-friendly and sustainable materials for the development of a desirable high-sensitivity sensor for TBBPA detection.

One-step potentiostatic electrodeposition of NiS–NiS2 on sludge-based biochar and its application for a non-enzymatic glucose sensor

“…Aer the addition of 0.5 mM glucose, the oxidation potential appeared at 0.50 V, related to the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose occurring on NiS-NiS 2 /sludge-based biochar/GCE, corresponding to the reaction equation as follow: The high response current of NiS-NiS 2 /sludge-based biochar/GCE for detecting glucose was mainly caused by the synergistic effects of NiS-NiS 2 and sludge-based biochar. On the one hand, unique porous structure as well as abundant functional groups of sludge-based biochar 30 provided strong adsorption capacity and abundant electrocatalytic active site for glucose detection. On the other hand, the high conductivity of NiS may further enhance its electrocatalytic performance in glucose analysis process.…”

Recent Advances of Biochar-Based Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors

“…Biochar’s porous structure gives it a larger specific surface area for absorbing target analyte and carrying or loading various activate molecules or materials, such as copper hexacyanoferrate [ 9 ], Fe 3 O 4 [ 35 ], MoSe 2 [ 36 ], and nickel hydroxide [ 37 ]. These materials’ good properties in various aspects of spatial structure, redox ability, magnetism, or conductivity enhance and improve the analytical performance of biochar-based sensors.…”

“…Luo et al, developed a simple and cost-effective electrochemical sensor based on an Fe 3 O 4 -activated biochar. The proposed sensor showed excellent electrochemical performance toward TBBPA-sensing when compared to separate precursor materials [ 35 ]. The electrochemical test results revealed that the Fe 3 O 4 -activated biochar film exhibited a lower charged transfer resistance, a larger active surface area, and a higher accumulation efficiency toward TBBPA.…”

Fe3O4 Nanoparticle/Graphene Oxide Composites as Selective Probes and Self-Matrixes for Pesticide Detection by Electrochemistry and Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

“…Graphene oxide and Fe 3 O 4 have been utilized for the adsorption of heavy metals, environmental pollutants, , and biomolecules. , The presence of magnetic nanoparticles on graphene sheets effectively prevents self-agglomeration, leading to improved surface area for target analyte binding. , Graphene magnetic nanocomposites have been applied in electrochemistry , and mass spectrometry to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of detection systems . Furthermore, it has been reported that Fe 3 O 4 /GO can selectively bind with pesticides, leading to selective pesticide detection . The −OH groups of GO can act as a H-donor and acceptor, resulting in strong H-bonding with CBF and CBZ .…”