Graphenated polyaniline nanocomposite for the determination of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) in water

Abstract

The thesis presents a simple, sensitive, low cost and a novel graphenated polyaniline doped tungsten trioxide nanocomposite, as an electrochemical sensor for the detection and quantitative and determination of PAHs, which are ubiquitous, toxic, as well as dangerous organic pollutant compounds in the environment. The selected PAHs (anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene) in wastewater were given priority as a result of their threat to human nature and that of the environment. In order for a healthy, non-polluted and well sustainable environment, there is need for an instrument that is capable of detecting and quantifying these organic pollutants onsite and also for constant monitoring. The nanocomposites were developed by chemical and electrochemical methods of preparations, exploiting the intrinsic properties of polyaniline, graphene and tungsten trioxide semiconducting materials. Chemically, graphene-polyaniline (GR-PANI) nanocomposite was synthesised by in situ polymerisation method, then casted on a surface of glassy carbon electrode to form GR-PANI modified electrode. The properties of the prepared electrode were investigated through morphological and spectroscopic techniques, which confirmed the formation of the composite. The electroactivity of the prepared modified electrode revealed great improvement in cyclic and square wave voltammetric response on anthracene. A dynamic range of 2.0 × 10-5 to 1.0 × 10-3 M and detection limit of 4.39 x 10-7 M was established.