Development of electrochemical sensors based on carbonic material and metallic nanoparticles synthesized in deep eutectic solvents for the determination of emerging contaminants

Abstract

Our research group has been studying the applications of deep eutectic solvents (DES), mostly in microextraction processes, the modification of carbon paste electrodes (CPE) and glassy carbon electrodes (GCE). This new solvent class arose as a greener alternative to organic solvents with high toxicity and volatility, used in various processes. For this reason, DES have been researched for various applications, especially in the synthesis processes of metallic nanoparticles used in electrochemical sensors. The study elapses from the unique properties of these solvents, with low volatility, melting point close or lower to room temperature. considered biodegradable and have low toxicity rates. Also having a variety of precursors that can be used in their preparation, generating thermally stable solvents to be used in these synthesis'. In this sense, we intend to synthesize metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), using DES as the reactional component, later using them in the manufacturing of electrochemical sensors for the spotting of emerging contaminants in ambient samples. DES will be characterized, using fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FR-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), viscosity, conductivity, and water contents. Other than that, nanoparticles will be characterized utilizing scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. The sensors in question will be studied with voltammetric techniques (cyclic, differential pulse, square-wave and amperometry), and electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS).