Scientists develop high-performance electrochemical sensor using ZnCl2-activated biochar from pineapple peel waste
The synthesis process of ZnCl2-activated biochar comprises three stages. The first phase is biochar production using microwave-assisted pyrolysis. Then, the biomass was pyrolysed at 3 kW for 30 min. The third phase comprised the second pyrolysis (calcinat
ZnCl2 is a chemical agent that enhances its electrocatalytic activity. The activated biochar exhibited a high surface area, micropore structure, and oxygen-containing functional groups, which are crucial for electrochemical sensing applications. The researchers applied the activated biochar to a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through drop casting. The electrochemical properties of the ZnCl2-activated biochar-modified GCE were characterized using various techniques. The results showed a significant reduction in charge transfer resistance, indicating improved electron transfer kinetics. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a 61% decrease in charge transfer resistance compared to the bare GCE. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity, with a limit of detection of 0.97 µmol L−1 for nitrite. It exhibited high selectivity, reproducibility (RSD=2.4%), and stability (RSD=2.6%) over ten days of storage. The sensor's performance was comparable to or better than existing electrochemical sensors reported in the literature.
This innovative approach to utilizing pineapple peel waste offers a sustainable solution for resource recovery and waste reduction. The conversion of agricultural waste into high-value biochar through microwave-assisted pyrolysis, followed by chemical activation, provides a versatile material for various applications, particularly in electrochemical sensing. The researchers envision future applications of ZnCl2-activated biochar in environmental monitoring, food quality control, and medical diagnostics. The material's unique properties, such as its high surface area, micropore structure, and electrocatalytic activity, make it well-suited for detecting and analyzing different analytes of interest in these fields.
This study represents an important step towards a circular economy, and open up new opportunities for waste utilization and resource recovery, bringing us closer to a more sustainable and efficient future.
Funding information
Scarlett Allende acknowledges the financial support of the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia and the support of its investment partners: the Western Australian, Northern Territory and Queensland Governments. We also acknowledge the financial and in-kind support of the project participants.
DOI
10.1007/s42768-022-00120-4
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