Phosphinic acid functionalized carbon nanotubes for sensitive and selective sensing of chromium(VI)

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with a phosphinic acid derivative 'bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid' (PA/d). It has been achieved by treating the chlorinated SWCNTs with PA/d at 80 degrees C. Successful functionalization and different nanomaterial properties have been investigated by UV-vis-NIR, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, AFM and FE-SEM. PA/d conjugated SWCNTs (CNT-PA) are dispersible in some common organic solvents, e.g. CH2Cl2, DMF, CHCl3, and THF. The 'CNT-PA' complex was spin-casted on boron doped silicon wafer. Thus fabricated sensing electrode is demonstrated for sensitive and selective electrochemical sensing of chromium(VI) ions. A linear response is obtained over a wide range of Cr(VI) concentration (0.01-10 ppb). The sensor's sensitivity and the limit of detection are observed to be 35 +/- 4 nA/ppb and 0.01 ppb, respectively. The practical utility of the proposed sensor is demonstrated by determining the Cr(VI) concentration in an industrial effluent sample and an underground water sample. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.