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 µM limit of detection (LOD) and 138.00 µM limit of quantification (LOQ). The sensor showed a linear range of output current at 100–700 µM Cd(II) with the coefficient of correlation (R² = 0.996). Interferents have a negligible effect on the response of the sensor. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)