Design of Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Sensors for Electrochemical Detection of Lead and Cadmium in Waste water samples

The present articlestudies the successful development and detailed characterization of a novel electrochemical sensor based on a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) for detecting toxic metal ions in water samples. The iron oxide nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using several techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Visible spectroscopy, to investigate their structural and morphological properties. The fabrication of the Fe2O3/CPE sensor was accomplished by homogeneously blending Fe2O3 nanoparticles with graphite powder and paraffin oil. This mixture was then compacted into a Teflon tube, with a copper wire serving as the electrical contact. Prior to use, the sensor surface was polished and rinsed with double-distilled water to ensure optimal performance.