Development of a cost-effective and sustainable nanoplatform based on a green gold sononanoparticles/carbon black nanocomposite for high-performance simultaneous determination of nanoplastics

Abstract

A novel, simple, highly sensitive and eco-friendly nanoplatform was employed for the simultaneous determination of nanoplastics, namely hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (CC), and resorcinol (RC). Indeed, the electrochemical device was based on a carbon black (CB)/green gold sononanoparticles (AuSNPs) nanocomposite deposited on a Sonogel-Carbon electrode (SNGCE). CB has attracted much attention as a powerful nanomaterial due to its wide availability, cost-effectiveness, and high surface-to-volume ratio. Besides, for the first time, the synthesis of AuSNPs using Malva sylvestris leaf extract (MLE) and the high-energy ultrasound technique is reported. These AuSNPs were well characterized by a wide range of instrumental techniques. The combination between CB and AuSNPs gives rise to a nanocomposite characterized by a high surface area and good electro-conductivity. The electrochemical behavior of the CB/AuSNPs/SNGCE toward HQ, CC, and RC was studied by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Here, the sensitive and simultaneous detection of HQ, CC and RC was studied both in individual and triple-component solutions, resulting in low limits of detection (LODs) and a wide linear range. The LODs for HQ, CC and RC simultaneously detected were respectively: 1.7, 5.1, and 4.5 μM (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the amperometric sensor was successfully applied to detect these nanoplastics in tap, dam, and swamp water samples. HPLC was used as a reference method for validation purposes, reaching excellent agreement with the electrochemical methodology.