Specific electron-transfer and surface plasmon resonance integrated boosting visible-light photoelectrochemical sensor for 4-chlorophenol.

Abstract Emerging analytical technologies are being developed to provide advanced methods for monitoring 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) in the environment. Herein, a label-free, sensitive, and rapid photoelectrochemical (PEC) 4-CP detection system was constructed based on ternary composites of Ag nanoparticles, graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) and carbon spheres (CS) (Ag/GCN/CS). The proposed ternary composites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. In this process, ascorbic acid (AA) played a crucial role in reducing Ag+ to metallic Ag, and provided a carbon source for CS. Due to synergistic promotion by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Ag nanoparticles and electron-transfer behavior of CS, the ternary composites exhibited a broad visible light response and fast charge transfer, leading to a tremendously enhanced PEC response. Based on the promotion of the PEC response, a PEC sensor for 4-CP was designed by detecting the photocurrent signals of the PEC electrode after adding 4-CP to solution. Under optimal conditions, the PEC sensor exhibited a wide linear range for 4-CP from 16 to 1104 ng mL−1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.33 ng mL−1. In particular, the present work may assistance in better understanding the synergistic effect between the SPR effect of Ag nanoparticles and electron-transfer properties of CS. The results can also be applied to other PEC and photocatalytic systems in conjunction with high-performance photoactive materials. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Visible-light-active Ag/graphitic carbon nitride/carbon sphere composites were designed. • Efficient charge separation spatially resulted from ternary composites. • A highly efficient PEC sensor for 4-CP was constructed based on ternary composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]