Fabrication of a new calix[4]arene-functionalized Mn3O4 nanoparticle-based modified glassy carbon electrode as a fast responding sensor towards Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions

Abstract

Macromolecule-functionalized metal oxide nanoparticles have received significant research interest owing to the combined advantages of functional groups and high surface to volume ratio, which make them good materials for an electrochemical sensor towards the quantification of toxic heavy metal ions. In this regard, a simple strategy has been proposed to functionalize Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles (Mn₃O₄ NPs) with calix[4]arene macromolecules. The synthesized calix[4]arene-functionalized Mn₃O₄ NPs have been characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and a BET surface area analyzer. The prepared calix[4]arene-functionalized Mn₃O₄ NPs were used as a novel electrochemical sensing platform for the simultaneous measurement of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions at the nanomolar level. The developed sensor showed wide linearity from 100 to 1000 ppb with the limit of detection of 7 and 9 ppb for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions, respectively. The proposed interface showed least interference from most of the common ionic species present in the real samples.