Effect of Hydrothermal Reaction Temperature on Properties of Bismuth Nanoparticles and Its Properties as Modified Electrode for Pb Sensors

Heavy metal pollution is a common environmental problems. Therefore a versatile method that can be used to detect heavy metal ions on field is sought after. Electrochemical sensor is a promising method for heavy metal detection, however, electrodes modification is of interest to enhance sensitivity and specificity of sensors. In this work bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) was produced using hydrothermal method with varying hydrothermal reaction temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis showed pure-phase bismuth with a Rhombohedral structure was successfully produced. BiNPs/ITO had good CV properties in which BiNPs produced at 170°C has the highest respond current. However, BiNPs synthesized at 160°C showed the highest DPASV stripping current response due to high surface area and less agglomeration of particles. The BiNPs modified ITO was successfully fabricated as electrochemical Pb sensor. The modified BiNPs/ITO has LOD of 2.5 μg/L Pb with good specificity. (paper)