Electrochemical Sensors for Lead Ion Detection Using Sodium Alginate Crosslinked With 2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropane Sulfonic Acid and Aluminum Microparticles

Even at low levels, heavy metal pollutants significantly threaten the quality of life, posing long-term risks. Current laboratory-instrument-based measurement techniques have their limitations due to lengthy preparation and analysis steps. In this letter, we introduce a screen-printed electrochemical sensor utilizing nontoxic, biodegradable sodium alginate grafted with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid and conductive fillers for a trace-level lead ion detection in water. The presence of anionic functional groups facilitates chelation through electrostatic interactions, enabling them to preferentially bind to positive lead ions. With the proposed sensor, a low detection limit of 0.1 ppb was obtained by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. This letter demonstrates the effectiveness of an eco-friendly, sustainable sensor construct that takes advantage of enhanced organometallic interactions.