Silver nanowire/graphene oxide electrode for electrochemical detection of lead ions

A new approach for fabricating high-performance electrochemical sensors for lead ion detection using the square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry method was developed. The sensor consisted of a working electrode fabricated from silver nanowires (AgNWs) and graphene oxide (GO) on polyethylene terephthalate substrates. The morphological, electrochemical properties and operational parameters of the electrode were investigated. Owing to the combination of the pressing method and overcoated GO layer, the electrode possessed good conductivity and high stability, suitable for the fabrication of electrochemical sensors for detecting Pb(II). Under the optimum experimental conditions, the calibration curve exhibited a good linear relationship over a wide range of Pb(II) concentrations (0.2–60 µg L⁻¹), with a correlation coefficient of 0.9983. The detection limit of the sensor for Pb(II) is 0.067 µg L⁻¹, which is significantly less than the safety limit for drinking water defined by the World Health Organization. The electrochemical sensor exhibited good repeatability and high stability after sixty days of storage. In addition, the prepared electrochemical sensor possesses low cost, simplicity, easy to use, and the large production ability. This study contributes to the application of AgNW/GO hybrid electrodes for Pb(II) detection. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]