Recent Strategies on Hybrid Inorganic-Graphene Materials for Enhancing the Electrocatalytic Activity Towards Heavy Metal Detection

Abstract: The presence of heavy metals in industrial effluents has recently become a source of concern for human health because of their toxicity. The released heavy metals have the potential to accumulate in living organisms, resulting in the development of a number of diseases and disorders. A promising response with high precision can be obtained through the development of prospective nanomaterials when a sensitive and selective determination of heavy metals is required. However, in order to be successful, the latest electrochemical sensing approaches need substantial enhancement in rapid response, signal amplification and, specificity. To achieve these requirements using an electrochemical pathway for detection of heavy metals at low cost, the evolution of hybrid materials has emerged as a new type of functional materials. On the basis of this review, we will examine and highlight the most recent developments in the synthesis of inorganic-graphene hybrid materials for enhancing the sensing behavior of toxic metals are discussed. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]