Review—Graphene-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Detecting Environmental Pollutants

Abstract

In this population driven society, the major causes of environmental pollution are modern agricultural practices and intensified industrialization. These kind of economic practices lead to excessive deposition of residual pesticides and heavy metals in both soil and water. Due to their quicker advancement in in-situ and point-of-care technologies, electrochemical sensing methods have chosen as best for detecting these contaminants. ‘Graphene’, a wonder material possessing excellent physiochemical properties when utilized as an electrode for sensing, enables quicker diffusion of target analytes. Graphene-based nanocomposites, when used as a working electrodes, allow for detection of environmental contaminants even at trace levels. Presently, scientists are working to develop an electrochemical sensor which facilitates accuracy and high sensitivity. This review highlights the performance of graphene composites in detecting various environmental pollutants using electrochemical sensing strategies. Further, comparative study on its methods and techniques, existing problems with some solutions and future aspects are briefly discussed.