Nickel Nanoparticles Supported on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon for Vanillin Detection

We first report a simple, effective, and cost-saving method for the synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials supported with the high content of nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs/N-C) using formamide as a carbon and nitrogen source. The characterizations of morphology and structure of the Ni NPs/N-C nanomaterials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A large number of nanotubes were formed during the pyrolysis of the product under the catalysis of nickel salt, which greatly improved the active surface area and the electronic conductivity of the materials. The Ni NPs/N-C was used as an electrode material for electrochemical detection of vanillin. The fabricated sensor enhances the electrochemical signal of vanillin and enables its rapid and accurate determination. Under the optimal measuring conditions, three linear responses were obtained at vanillin concentrations in the range of 0.04-1.0, 1.0-10, and 10-100 mu M, respectively. The limit of detection was estimated to be 0.01 mu M (S/N = 3). The strategy of producing this new material and its application in electroanalysis will help to fabricate highly sensitive sensors.