Electrochemical sensor based on palladium loaded laser scribed graphitic carbon nanosheets for ultrasensitive detection of hydrazine

Abstract

We propose a simple and inexpensive technique based on laser graphenization of polyimide (PI) sheets for the fabrication of graphitic carbon nanosheets in just a few minutes. We synthesized laser scribed graphitic carbon nanosheets loaded with palladium nanoparticles (Pd/LSGCNs) quickly and easily by electrodeposition of Pd over conductive graphene, followed by laser graphenization to prepare the nanosheets. The morphology and microstructure of Pd/LSGCNs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore the Pd/LSGCNs composite was used as an electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical response of Pd/LSGCNs towards hydrazine oxidation was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), illustrating superior electrocatalytic activity. The proposed Pd/LSGCNs sensor was further tested for sensitivity to hydrazine of varying quantities in the linear range of 0.12–888 μM. The good sensitivity and high selectivity observed suggest Pd/LSGCNs as a promising candidate for hydrazine sensing in practical applications due to its excellent catalytic performance and the simple and rapid synthesis process.