Synthesis and characterization of zinc selenide/graphene oxide (ZnSe/GO) nanocomposites for electrochemical detection of cadmium ions

Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal that is very harmful to both the environment and human health, makes it difficult to detect in environmental and analytical research. However, given the adverse impacts, a remedy is urgently required. Due to its special benefits, electrochemical approaches have recently attracted a lot of interest for the detection of Cd(II) ions. We have prepared zinc selenide/graphene oxide (ZnSe/GO) nanocomposites and characterized its structural, compositional, and morphological properties using X-ray diffraction, elemental mapping, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, to fabricate an efficient electron mediator for electrochemical sensor. Results of the experiments proved that the device is reliable in Cd(II) detection with 45.54 mu M limit of detection (LOD) and 138.00 mu M limit of quantification (LOQ). The sensor showed a linear range of output current at 100-700 mu M Cd(II) with the coefficient of correlation (R2 = 0.996). Interferents have a negligible effect on the response of the sensor.