Electrochemical performance of the Mn-doped CeO2: nanoparticles for sensitive electrocatalysts the urea concentrations

Manganese-substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2:Mn NPs) were successfully prepared by the polyol-based co-precipitation method, and applied for construction of an electrocatalytic electrode. The crystallographic structure, phase purity, and morphological characteristics were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) procedures. XRD results indicate a cube shape with an average crystalline size of similar to 10 nm. EDX analysis verified the homogeneous mixing of substitution of Mn ion in CeO2 crystal lattice. UV/visible spectrum and bandgap energy (3.27 eV) were observed to confirm the phase formation and optical properties of the material. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tools were applied to inspect the electrochemical properties of the material. Both applied electrochemical methods verified the excellent electroactive surface area and electrocatalytic behavior of the constructed CeO2:Mn/glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The high sensitivity, strong reproducibility, and promising stability were also observed by the electrode on changing the potential scan rate. More significantly, in the catalyze or detection of the target analyte (urea), adequate recoveries were obtained for the evolved electrocatalyst/sensor, which showed a wide prospect of practical use. The high electrocatalytic activity of the CeO2:Mn/GCE model in the concentration range (3.90-1000 mg/dl) catalysts was the synergistic relationship between Mn and CeO2 NPs. This CeO2:Mn matrix could be an effective strategy to electro-catalyze various hazardous analytes (chemicals) such as catechol, phenol, and industrial effluents.