A novel carbon paste electrode modified with Argan oil cake waste / zinc oxide nanoparticles composite for methylene blue detection

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to advance the development and characterisation of a novel electrochemical sensor for methylene blue detection in aqueous medium. The composite of Argan oil cake waste containing nanoparticles of zinc oxide was employed as an environment friendly modification of carbon paste electrode (AOCW/ZnO_nps-CPE) for methylene blue detection. The electrochemical investigation by cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV) reveals an enhancement in the detection current intensity after the electrode modification.

After calibration curve, the obtained detection limit of methylene blue is 0,06 nM, under the following optimal conditions: acetate buffer as supporting electrolyte, pH = 4, −1 V and 110s as accumulation potential and time, respectively. In this study, the modified electrode has been proven to be a promising alternative for the development of a sensitive sensor to control wastewater containing MB sensitivity, and repeatability. This sensor was used to identify MB in irrigation water, and it shows a good performance.

KEYWORDS:

• Methylene blue
• organic dye
• ZnO nanoparticles
• argan oil cake waste
• square wave voltammetry
• irrigation water

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).