Nanostructured metal oxides/hydroxides-based electrochemical sensor for monitoring environmental micropollutants

Nanostructured metal oxides/hydroxides (NMOs/HOs) with unique optical, electrical and molecular properties, chemical and photochemical stability, electrochemical activity, large surface area along with desired functionalities have recently become important as materials to construct electrochemical sensor for monitoring environmental micropollutants. In this review, we present and discuss the NMOs/HOsbased electrochemical sensor for detection of micropollutants including toxic organic micropollutants, heavy metal ions (HMIs), and anions in water. The analytical performance of a NMOs/HOs-based electrochemical sensor can be improved by tailoring the properties of the NMOs/HOs through engineering of morphology, particle size, exposed crystal facets, effective surface area, functionality, adsorption capability and electron-transfer properties. These interestingNMOs/HOs are expected to find potential applications in a new generation of miniaturized, smart electrochemical environmental monitoring devices. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.