Abstract:
Reduced graphene oxide supported Ag/PANI nanocomposite electrochemical sensor was
synthesized through electrochemical methods from electrochemical polymerization of 0.2M
aniline monomer in 1M HCl and electrodeposition of silver nanoparticles from AgNO3 on a
reduced graphene oxide modified bare electrode. The as synthesized (Ag/PANI/RGO)
nanocomposites modified electrode was further characterized by Cyclic Voltammetry. The
results show that Ag/PANI/RGO nanocomposite was the highest electroactive substrate than
PANI and PANI/RGO. This is due to reduced graphene oxide and synergetic effects as well as
electrocatalytic properties of silver nanoparticles. For comparing and as well as for
spectroscopic characterization; PANI, PANI/RGO and Ag/PANI/RGO nanocomposites were
synthesized by chemical precipitation methods using APS, (NH4)2SO4 as an oxidant and
characterized by CV, FTIR, SEM, XRD and UV-Vis and the results showed that a comparable
electrochemical properties, optical and structural properties and uniform distribution of silver
nanoparticles on the surface of PANI/RGO were observed on SEM micrographs. Fast electron
transfer properties were calculated from standard rate constant for electrochemically and
chemically synthesized (Ag/PAN/RGO) nanocomposite sensor were k
o of 71.3x10-3
s
-1 and
63.9x10-3
s
-1
, respectively. This (Ag/PANI/RGO) nanocomposite electrochemical sensor was
carefully tested with the help of anodic stripping voltammetric process as results; linear regression coefficient (R2
) of 0.9990 and 0.9977 for Pb2+ and Cd2+, respectively, were obtained.
The results have shown that for surface water, specifically for Cd has higher value than the
WHO (2008) recommended maximum admissible limits. This is an indication of pollution
hazards and weak drinking water treatment practices in the areas, which in turn have important
human health implications. Therefore, the government and other responsible authorities to take
appropriate corrective measures.
