Ultrasensitive and Selective Electrochemical Sensor Based on Yttrium Benzenetricarboxylate Porous Coordination Polymer (Y-BTC) for Detection of Pb2+ from Bio-Analytes

Abstract

Due to industrialization, the presence of heavy metal ions in various sources of drinking water causes damage to the ecosystem. Determination of heavy metal ions is still arduous due to their toxicity and carcinogenic behavior to humankind. The present investigation deals with the development of a novel ultrasensitive electrochemical sensor for the detection of lead (Pb2+) from pesticide and fruit core. Repetitive laboratory-scale aqueous samples have been tested to validate all sensing parameters, it exhibited highly selective behaviour towards Pb2+. Hydrothermally synthesized Yttrium Benzenetricarboxylate (Y-BTC) has been characterized by means of structural, morphological, electrochemical and spectroscopic characterizations and utilized as a sensing material. Y-BTC Sensor’s differential pulse behavior shows affinity towards Pb2+, a detailed sensing mechanism further illustrated by XPS studies, DLS measurements, deformation studies by photoluminescence spectra, and charge transfer resistance obtained from EIS data. The developed Y-BTC sensor showcased an excellent picomolar detection limit of 1 pM. Reliability of developed sensor was confirmed by evaluation of sensitivity (4.4 μA M−1), selectivity (towards Pb2+), repeatability and reproducibility. The proposed sensor would play a vital role in monitoring human health in the upcoming days.