Porous B3C3N2 matrix-based electrochemical sensor for sensitive determination of trace cadmium in environmental and tobacco samples

Ternary B3C3N2 nanomaterials were prepared by the hard-template method using melamine (N and C source) and tetraethyl silicate (SiO2 source) as templates, with Cs2[B12H12] as a dopant. The B3C3N2 composite material can synthesise the functional groups of the BCN substrate and the porosity of the acid-etched template, thereby achieving the selective electrochemical detection of Cd(II). Under optimal conditions, the peak current was well linearized with the Cd(II) concentration between 1 and 310 μg/L, while the theoretical detection limit was 0.32 μg/L. The B3C3N2-Nafion sensor exhibits excellent electrode stability and anti-interference ability in addition to being non-toxic and simple to produce. Our research not only bridges the preparation of nonmetallic atom-doped carbon-based materials and in situ etching strategies but also provides a novel demonstration for the detection and application of the heavy metal Cd(II).