Sodium alginate decorated carbon nanotubes-graphene composite aerogel for heavy metal ions detection

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene (SWNTs/G) composite aerogel have been prepared by a hydrothermal method with aid of sodium alginate (SA) decoration and used for modification of glassy carbon electrode. The modified electrode was employed for the sensitive determination of metal ions using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry method. The results showed that the introduction of SA not only improved the uniformity of SWNTs/G composite, but also exhibited synergistic effect for detection of several kinds of heavy metal ion. The SA decorated SWNTs were inserted into graphene interlayers, resulting in more active sites and reactive surface area. As a result, the modified electrode exhibited attractive inter-electrode reproducibility and high sensitivity for detection of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ ions.