Chromium complex nanoparticles sensor for arsenic detection using QCM technique

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of science, Cairo university

2 chemistry, faculty of science, Cairo university

3 chemistry department, faculty of science, Cairo university

Abstract

In recent times, there has been a significant rise in global arsenic intake, stemming from both drinking water and food sources. Arsenic contamination in groundwater can originate from natural geological processes as well as industrial effluents, agricultural practices such as insecticide use, municipal sewage, and household waste.
One eco-friendly and dependable method for addressing this issue involves the synthesis of metal complex nanoparticles, which has broad applications in various fields. A noteworthy development is the creation of a novel nano chromium sensor designed specifically for detecting arsenic. This nano chromium complex underwent comprehensive characterization using a range of analytical tools, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), contact angle measurements, as well as BET surface area and pore size determination.
Furthermore, researchers explored the practical application of the nano chromium complex as a simple, cost-effective, and highly sensitive Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor for the rapid detection of arsenic. Using this nano chromium complex sensor, arsenic can be reliably detected even at extremely low concentrations, as low as 1 ppm, with a remarkable response time of just 1 minute. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the arsenic complex nanoparticles was thoroughly investigated to ensure their safety.
This innovative method has demonstrated its effectiveness and feasibility for the precise determination of arsenic ions in samples from groundwater and industrial effluent wastewater.

Keywords