High-performance nonenzymatic ion-sensor based on CNT loaded APTES@PTOL based on electrochemical method

Copper is an essential and toxic element in the body and environment. It is a necessary nutrient for normal metabolic reactions in the body and a significant needed element for the growth of flora. However, it becomes a toxic element to humans and the biota at elevated concentrations, with several adverse effects on man and the environment. Due to this, this study investigates the application of polyortho-toluidine-multiwalled carbon nanotube-3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane (PoT-MWCNT-APTES) to detect Cu (II) in the environment. PoT-MWCNT-APTES was synthesized by the wet chemical method and was characterized by several techniques such as FESEM, XRD, XPS, EDX, TGA, and EIS. The characterization studies reveal the successful synthesis of PoT-MWCNT-APTES. PoT-MWCNT-APTES responded selectively to Cu (II) amid other metal ions. The detection limit of Cu (II) was 0.01 µM in the linear dynamic range of 0.05–85 µM. The current response was also repeatable, reproducible, and unaffected by interferents. Also, the developed Cu (II) probe was successfully used for Cu (II) detection in real samples comprising potable water and food materials. Therefore, this study presents PoT-MWCNT-APTES-GCE as a potential substrate for detecting Cu (II) ions in the environment, which is necessary for human health and environmental safety.