Metallic nanoparticle-carbon nanotube composites for electrochemical determination of explosive nitroaromatic compounds

Metal nanoparticles (Pt, Au, or Cu) together with multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT and SWCNT) solubilized in Nafion have been used to form nanocomposites for electrochemical detection of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and several other nitroaromatics. Electrochemical and surface characterization by cyclic voltammetry, AFM, TEM, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of metal nanoparticles on CNTs. Among various combinations tested, the most synergistic signal effect was observed for the nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GC) containing Cu nanoparticles and SWCNT solubilized in Nafion. This combination provided the best sensitivity for detecting TNT and other nitroaromatic compounds. Adsorptive stripping voltammetry for TNT resulted in a detection limit of 1 ppb, with linearity up to 3 orders of magnitude. Selectivity toward the number and position of the nitro groups in different nitroaromatics was very reproducible and distinct. Reproducibility of the TNT signal was within 7% (n = 8) from one electrode preparation to another, and the response signal was stable (±3.8% at 95% confidence interval) for 40 repeated analyses with 10 min of preconditioning. The Cu-SWCNT-modified GC electrode was demonstrated for analysis of TNT in tap water, river water, and contaminated soil.