Electrochemical detection of mercuric(ii) ions in aqueous media using glassy carbon electrode modified with synthesized tribenzamides and silver nanoparticles

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis, characterization, and mercuric ion detection ability of novel tribenzamides having flexible and rigid moieties. N-{4-[2-(1,3-Benzoxazolyl)]phenyl}-3,5-N,N′-bis(4-alkyloxybenzoyl)benzamides (TBa-TBc) were synthesized from newly synthesized diamine, N-(1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl-phenyl)-3,5-diaminobenzamide (BODA) and p-alkoxybenzoic acids (p-ABA) by amidation reaction. Structural characterization of the synthesized compounds was done through spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR and NMR). The synthesized tribenzamides along with silver nanoparticles were used for modification of a glassy carbon electrode. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry was carried out to test the performance of the modified electrode for mercuric ion detection. The designed sensor was found to demonstrate the qualities of sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and anti-interference ability. The sensing platform helped in detecting femtomolar concentrations of mercuric ions which are much below the level declared toxic by the World Health Organization.