DEVELOPMENT OF TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLE-BASED ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSORS FOR LEAD AND CADMIUM DETECTION IN WATER SAMPLES

Abstract

The present study focuses on the successful development and characterization of a novel electrochemical sensor using a modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) integrated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) for the detection of toxic metal ions in water samples. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were meticulously characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible spectroscopy to elucidate their structural and morphological properties. The TiO₂/CPE sensor was fabricated through a methodical process involving the homogeneous mixing of TiO₂ nanoparticles, graphite powder, and paraffin oil. Subsequently, this mixture was compacted into a Teflon tube with a copper wire serving as the electrical connector. Before utilization, the electrode surface underwent meticulous polishing and rinsing with double-distilled water to ensure optimal performance.