Hybrid PbS Quantum Dot/Nanoporous NiO Film Nanostructure: Preparation, Characterization, and Application for a Self-Powered Cathodic Photoelectrochemical Biosensor

Abstract

This work reports the first preparation and characterization of a hybrid PbS quantum dot (QD)/nanoporous NiO film nanostructure as well as its application for novel self-powered cathodic photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing. Specifically, we synthesized the thioglycolic acid-capped PbS QDs and then assembled them onto the hydrothermally fabricated three-dimensional (3D) NiO nanostructured films on the transparent indium tin oxide-coated glass substrates, followed by the subsequent conjugation with the glucose oxidase as a model biocatalyst. Favorable alignment existed between the NiO and PbS QDs, and the as-obtained p-type heterostructure was characterized by various techniques and found to have good PEC activities. In the self-powered PEC biosensing of glucose, the system exhibited high sensitivity toward the presence of dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte, and thereby, a novel PEC enzymatic sensor was developed. With a PbS QD/3D NiO nanofilm, this work manifested the great promise of a heterostructure photocathode for a self-powered PEC biosensor that to the best of our knowledge has not been reported. We believe that it could inspire more interest in the design and development of numerous other p-type heterostructures for advanced self-powered PEC biosensors.

Preparation and characterization of 0D Au NPs@3D BiOI nanoflower/2D NiO nanosheet array heterostructures and their application as a self-powered photoelectrochemical biosensing platform

“…To obtain the desired PEC performance, the type, band gap size as well as the band matching of semiconductors require a judicious design and optimization. [12][13][14][15] Various heterostructures have been designed to expand the light utilization range or improve the electron (e À )/hole (h + ) separation efficiency, 16 such as: Au NPs@ZnO, 17 CdS/RGO/ZnO, 3 CdSe/ZnS/ TiO 2 , 18 NiO/PbS 12 and C 3 N 4 /PbS. 19 Self-powered PEC biosensors can be divided into three major categories: p type/p-p heterostructure, 12 n type/n-n heterostructure 3,4,17 and photofuel cell type.…”

“…[12][13][14][15] Various heterostructures have been designed to expand the light utilization range or improve the electron (e À )/hole (h + ) separation efficiency, 16 such as: Au NPs@ZnO, 17 CdS/RGO/ZnO, 3 CdSe/ZnS/ TiO 2 , 18 NiO/PbS 12 and C 3 N 4 /PbS. 19 Self-powered PEC biosensors can be divided into three major categories: p type/p-p heterostructure, 12 n type/n-n heterostructure 3,4,17 and photofuel cell type. 20 P-type semiconductors, which are the opposite of n-type semiconductors, react more easily with electron acceptors (such as dissolved oxygen) than with electron donors (such as glutathione, ascorbic acid, and sodium sulte) in the electrolyte, indicating their good potential for anti-interference from reducing substances.…”

“…20 P-type semiconductors, which are the opposite of n-type semiconductors, react more easily with electron acceptors (such as dissolved oxygen) than with electron donors (such as glutathione, ascorbic acid, and sodium sulte) in the electrolyte, indicating their good potential for anti-interference from reducing substances. 12,21,22 In other words, p-type semiconductors are more stable than n-type semiconductors toward oxidation reactions. 23 As a popular p-type semiconductor, NiO (nickel oxide) has been widely used in the eld of sensors, catalyzers and solar cells due to its good stability, unique electrochemical performance and excellent catalytic properties.…”

A photoelectrochemical glucose sensor based on gold nanoparticles as a mimic enzyme of glucose oxidase

“…The negative correlation between the observed cathodic photocurrent and glucose concentration is due to the competition between the photocathode and the mimic enzyme of AuNPs for dissolved oxygen. 37 As mentioned above, when the immobilized electrode is exposed to a solution containing glucose, AuNPs can effectively catalyze the conversion of glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide consuming dissolved oxygen, thereby inhibiting photo-induced electron transfer and inhibiting the cathodic photocurrent. Fig.…”

Self‐powered Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Gallic Acid Exploiting a CdSe/ZnS Core‐shell Quantum Dot Sensitized TiO2 as Photoanode

“…The SPPS have emerged as a promising strategy, which exploits the cutting‐edge aspects involved in the development of sensors. The main advantage of these devices is its capability to harvest its operating energy from the environment, which opens a novel perspective in the detection of molecules .…”