Electrochemical Sensing of Environmental Pollutants Using Iron(II) Schiff Base Nanostructure Complex Based on QCM Modified Electrodes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Cairo university

2 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University

3 Faculty of science, Cairo university

Abstract

The use of colorants and chemicals in textile dyeing is crucial to keeping up with fashion trends; however, it raises significant environmental issues due to the discharge of effluents. These effluents contain hazardous substances, including toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic elements, which pose a threat to the natural environment. Notably, not all these substances are fully utilized during the dyeing process, resulting in residual content remaining in the effluent. Nanotechnology is increasingly recognized as a pivotal tool for developing innovative and effective solutions to various environmental challenges. One notable method for quantifying dye concentrations is the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM), which takes advantage of the heightened sensitivity of resonant crystal frequency. Empirical evidence supports the QCM technique's ability to provide instantaneous, precise assessments for both quantitative and qualitative analysis of dye content in wastewater samples. Additionally, an innovative nanosensor has been developed using a Nano Schiff base Iron (II) complex for the simultaneous detection of Methylene Blue (MB). The evaluation of this iron nano complex involved various analytical techniques, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and determination of BET surface area and pore size. The iron Schiff base Nano complex displayed a porous, highly uniform microstructure, with particle sizes below 100 nm, as confirmed by SEM and AFM images. By combining the specificity of iron Schiff base complexes with the sensitivity of QCM technology, this sensor holds great potential for efficient and effective dye monitoring, contributing substantially to environmental protection efforts. This development represents a significant advancement in the field of dye detection and analysis, potentially revolutionizing the monitoring of water contamination in the textile industry. The study examined different concentrations of methylene blue (MB), various pH levels, and different temperatures of the MB solution. The cytotoxic effects of nanoparticles derived from the Schiff base's Iron (II) complex were also investigated. The proposed sensor demonstrated a rapid response time of under 2 minutes and showed a reliable response even at very low dye concentrations, down to 1 part per million (ppm).

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 July 2024
  • Receive Date: 15 May 2024
  • Revise Date: 12 July 2024
  • Accept Date: 28 July 2024