Innovative strategy based on novel Ti3C2Tx MXenes nanoribbons/carbon nanotubes hybrids for anodic stripping voltammetry sensing of mercury ion

Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is presently the most widely used method for mercury ion (Hg2+) detection, but it generally needs an electrodeposition step. As a new star nanomaterial, MXenes shows greatly important applications in electrochemical sensing. In this work, by preparing Ti3C2Tx MXenes nanoribbons/carbon nanotube (Ti3C2TxR/CNT) nanohybrids to modify glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as sensing platform, an innovative strategy without electrodeposition was proposed for the sensitive detection of Hg2+. The results show that Ti3C2TxR exhibits spontaneous adsorption and reduction capability towards Hg2+, which can make Hg2+ selfreduced and preconcentrated on the electrode surface. Coupled with the excellent electronic properties of CNT, an electmdeposition-free and sensitive ASV sensor was constructed, and Ti3C2TxR/CNT/GCE can exhibit superior sensing performances for Hg2+ analysis with a low detection of limit (5.2 nM) and wide linearity range (0.01-7.0 mu M). This work offered a new direction for MXenes nanomaterials and Hg2+ detection.

Automated summary

An innovative strategy without electrodeposition was proposed for the sensitive detection of mercury ion (Hg2+) using Ti3C2Tx MXenes nanoribbons/carbon nanotube (Ti3C2TxR/CNT) nanohybrids to modify the electrode. The Ti3C2TxR exhibits spontaneous adsorption and reduction capability towards Hg2+, making Hg2+ self-reduced and preconcentrated on the electrode surface. The Ti3C2TxR/CNT/GCE sensor showed excellent sensing performance for Hg2+ analysis.