Nitrite sensor using activated biochar synthesised by microwave-assisted pyrolysis

Abstract Developing applications for the by-products obtained from waste processing is vital resource recovery. The synthesis of ZnCl 2 -activated biochar with high electrocatalytic activity was carried out by microwave-assisted pyrolysis pineapple peel and subsequent chemical activation process. Activated employed in electrochemical sensing nitrite drop casting a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). activated exhibited stacked sheet, 254 m g −1 Brunauer, Emmett Teller (BET) surface area, 0.076 cm 3 pore volume, 189.53 micropore area oxygen-containing functional groups. impedance spectroscopy modified GCE showed reduced charge transfer resistance 61%. This crucial to determine properties biochar. sensor significant current response an excellent limit detection 0.97 µmol L . modified-activated demonstrated selectivity, reproducibility (RSD=2.4%), stability (RSD=2.6%). Graphical abstract