Silver Nanoparticles Coated Poly[2-(Methacryloyloxy) Ethyl] Trimethylammonium Chloride on Jute Carbon for Nitrite Detection

Due to its significance in environmental monitoring, food safety, and clinical diagnostics, the nitrite ion (NO₂⁻) is commonly detected using electrochemical techniques. To improve the sensitivity and selectivity of an electrochemical nitrite sensor, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (PMTC), supported by nano-sized, ball-milled jute carbon (JC). The modified electrode (AgNPs-PMTC-JC/GCE) exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for nitrite (NO₂⁻) oxidation by lowering the oxidation potential. We analyzed the new composite materials (AgNPs-PMTC-JC) using various techniques including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to evaluate the enhanced electrode surface conductivity and electron transport property. The kinetics of nitrite oxidation at AgNPs-PMTC-JC was investigated through the scan rate and pH variation. The calculated kinetic parameters were used to perform computational CV simulations, and a good similarity was observed with the experimental CV. The nitrite oxidation process follows the first-order kinetics. Quantitative analysis was conducted using amperometric (i-t) and CV methods. The limit of detection (LOD) was computed and determined to be 0.11 µM through the i-t analysis. The designated electrode showed excellent stability, reproducibility, and anti-interference performance against common interferents. The proposed electrode was tested in real-life applications using laboratory tap water as a solution medium for nitrite solution and the outcome was compared with the standard solution.