Recent advances in layered double hydroxides-based electrochemical sensors: Insight in transition metal contribution

Among the nanomaterials reported in the literature, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are considered promising for the electrochemical sensor technology. Transition metal-based layered double hydroxides (TM-LDHs) show excellent electrocatalytic properties that facilitate redox reactions with analytes, e. g. H2O2, glucose or glyphosate. Elaboration of porous nano-structures with TM-LDHs nanosheets on the electrode surface allows a rapid diffusion of the analytes and a good accessibility of the TM active sites. An association of TM-LDHs with conductive materials, e. g. graphene or metal nanoparticles (M-NPs), improves the electronic conductivity in the LDH-based composites and also the electrocatalytic activity. With a selection of recent publications, the present mini-review aims to discuss about the specific electrocatalytic role played by TMs (Ni, Co, Cu, Mn and Fe) present in the LDH layers on the performance (sensitivity and detection limit) of these TM-LDHs-based sensors.

Automated summary

Among the nanomaterials reported in the literature, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), especially transition metal-based LDHs, show excellent electrocatalytic properties for redox reactions with analytes. The integration of TM-LDHs with conductive materials, such as graphene or metal nanoparticles, enhances the electronic conductivity and electrocatalytic activity of LDH-based composites. This mini-review discusses the specific electrocatalytic role played by different transition metals (Ni, Co, Cu, Mn, and Fe) in LDH layers and their impact on the performance of TM-LDHs-based sensors.