Electrochemical Sensing Platform Based on Graphene-Metal/Metal Oxide Hybrids for Detection of Metal Ions Contaminants

Heavy metal ions are a naturally occurring element that is toxic. The overuse of these heavy metal-based compounds in industry, agriculture, domestic, and technological practices leads to exposure in the environment that may have adverse effects on human health and the ecology. Considering their toxicity, the detection of metal ions is crucial, and many analytical methods are used to monitor them. Electrochemical methods have attracted considerable attention due to good sensitivity, low detection limit, and short analysis time and portability. To increase the sensitivity and selectivity of detection, research has focused on developing high surface area nanostructured electrode materials including inorganic, organic, polymer, and corresponding hybrid-based composites. The properties of graphene, a family of 2D layered material, has ignited the scientific community to discover other layered materials and explore their electrochemical sensing application toward toxic metal ions. This chapter provides an overview of materials developed for detection of heavy metal ions contaminants, particularly the graphene and functionalized graphene-based nanomaterials.