Graphene-based nanocomposites as sensing elements for the electrochemical detection of pesticides: a review

Only about 3% of Earth's water is freshwater out of which only 0.4% is accessible as surface water in the form of lakes, rivers and groundwater. When harmful substances (like organic matter, industrial wastes, pesticides, fertilizers) contaminate freshwater, it becomes a major problem as they may not damage one's health immediately but can be harmful after long-term exposure. In this context, there is a need to develop sensitive and reliable sensors that are able for in situ measurements of such contaminants. Electrochemical sensors can in situ detect target analytes based on change in current due to redox reaction of an electroactive species with the specific surface at a certain potential. Nanotechnology offers the advantage for manipulating the size and morphology of specific surface at working electrode. Here in this review article, the work done in the last few years in the field of electrochemical detection of pesticides using graphene-based nanocomposites is discussed. This review paper presents summarized work about the methods and materials for developing electrochemical sensors. Sensing mechanism is discussed, and related data is also presented to provide an overview.