Facile and green fabrication of size-controlled AuNPs/CNFs hybrids for the highly sensitive simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions

Graphical abstract: Au nanoparticle grown on carbon nanofibers (AuNPs/CNFs) was synthesized and exhibit high sensitivity and a low detection limit of the simultaneous detection of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺. - Highlights: • AuNPs/CNFs were fabricated via electrospinning and in situ thermal reduction. • AuNPs/CNFs/GCE were employed to simultaneously detect Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺. • The hybrids exhibited high sensitivity and low detection limitation. • We offer an effective method for the detection of heavy metal ions. - Abstract: A well-dispersed Au nanoparticle grown on carbon nanofibers (AuNPs/CNFs) with excellent electroanalytical activity and sensitivity towards the detection of heavy metal ions was synthesized via electrospinning technology and in situ thermal reduction. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that a large amount of AuNPs with a diameter of 5–15 nm was homogenously distributed on the surface of the nanofibers. The AuNPs/CNFs hybrids modified electrode was utilized as the working electrode for the simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions such as Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ through the square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) method. The electrochemical results indicate that the simultaneous detection of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ with a low concentration of 0.1 μM can be obtained. This work may provide an easy way to construct electrochemical sensors for the quick detection of trace heavy metal ions.