Hydrophobic interaction-driven binary 2D graphene layers integrated sensor for electrochemical detection of carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene in airborne particulate matter

초록

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), serves as a key air quality indicator in airborne particulate matter (PM) samples, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. In this study, we report, for the first time, BaP determination in PM samples using a simple and straightforward voltammetric sensing platform. This platform was based on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with binary 2D graphene materials of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and exfoliated graphite (EG) nanosheets. The successful integration of GNP and EG onto SPCE was confirmed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The GNP/EG/SPCE sensor exhibited efficient electrocatalytic properties for the direct oxidation of BaP in a methanol-LiClO4 electrolyte, attributed to hydrophobic and it-it interactions between BaP and 2D graphene materials, enhancing the active surface area and electron transport. BaP detection in buffer solution showed a wide linear range (0.2-2.5 and 2.5-12 mu M), high sensitivity (19.07 mu A/mu M), a low detection limit of 0.026 mu M, and excellent reproducibility (RSD = 2.89 %) and selectivity against common carcinogenic PAH compounds. Finally, the GNP/EG/SPCE platform was applied to quantify BaP levels in PM samples collected from subways, on-road, and urban environments, with results confirmed by a recovery rate ranging from 93.5 %-106.8 %.

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