Determination of Nitrite by Noble Metal Nanomaterial-Based Electrochemical Sensors: A Minireview

Nitrite is widely found in the environment and industrial systems, and the toxicity of nitrite may affect the health of human beings. Thus, it is highly important to develop rapid and sensitive methods for nitrite monitoring. Compared to traditional methods, electrochemical approaches offer low cost and rapid and simple operation. In recent years, noble metal nanomaterials (NMNs) have been extensively utilized in electrode modification for the determination of nitrite because of good electrocatalytic activity, easy mass transfer, and large active area. In this review, the status of NMNs-based electrochemical sensors is summarized for nitrite, including Au-based, Ag-based, Pt-based, and Pd-based sensors. In particular, the effects of size, morphology, composition and substrate on the sensing characteristics are discussed. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for the development of NMNs-based electrochemical sensors for nitrite are given.