PDA/PEDOT: PSS composite nanomotors for determination of Pb2+ ions
Emergent Materials, vol.8, no.8, pp.6479-6489, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 8 Issue: 8
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s42247-025-01168-8
- Journal Name: Emergent Materials
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.6479-6489
- Keywords: Lead, Metal detection, Nanomotor, PDA, PEDOT:PSS
- Süleyman Demirel University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution, particularly lead (Pb²⁺), poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating the development of sensitive and selective detection methods. In this study, Near-Infrared (NIR)-sensitive nanomotors based on polydopamine (PDA) nanobowl (NB) structures were synthesized and functionalized with PEDOT: PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate)) to enhance their detection capabilities. The PDA/PEDOT: PSS composite nanomotors demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for Pb²⁺ ions, with a detection limit (LoD) of 0.18 µM, significantly improving upon the 2.5 µM LoD of unmodified PDA nanomotors. The interaction of Pb²⁺ ions with the nanomotors was characterized by a reduction in their speed under NIR light, as well as by electrochemical methods, including cyclic voltammetry. The PDA/PEDOT: PSS composite nanomotors exhibited superior selectivity for Pb²⁺ over other heavy metals (Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺), with interference studies confirming their high specificity. Structural and compositional analyses using SEM, EDS, and zeta potential measurements validated the successful functionalization of PDA with PEDOT: PSS and the effective binding of Pb²⁺ ions. This innovative nanomotor design offers a promising approach for the sensitive detection and removal of Pb²⁺ ions from water, contributing to advancements in environmental monitoring and heavy metal remediation.