Recent advances in the application of different electrode materials for the determination of 4-hydroxy-nitrobenzene: Review

Environmental pollution has become a global concern due to indiscriminate use of chemicals to increase crop productivity and also due to rapid industrialization which largely results in the earth's atmosphere being contaminated with undesirable recalcitrant chemicals and xenobiotics compounds. 4-hydroxy-nitrobenzene (4-HNB) is listed as a priority pollutant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The compound is a major carcinogen in its own right and tends to persist in water and soil. This has prompted researchers to develop a wide range of analytical tools for its determination and assessment. This review intends to provide an overview of recent advances in the application of various voltammetric techniques using different electrode materials for the electrochemical determination of 4-HNB. Among techniques used to detect 4-HNB at low concentrations, some chromatographic techniques are also reviewed. The toxicity and harmful effects caused by the abundance of nitrophenol compounds are highlighted. Researchers with the interest to use electrochemical techniques for determination of electroactive analytes like nitrophenol compounds will benefit from this review how modified electrodes can increase method selectivity and sensitivity.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of recent advances in various voltammetric techniques for the electrochemical determination of 4-HNB, using different electrode materials. Additionally, some chromatographic techniques for detecting low concentrations of 4-HNB are also reviewed. The toxicity and harmful effects of nitrophenol compounds are highlighted, with an emphasis on how modified electrodes can increase method selectivity and sensitivity.