Selective detection of preferential activity of Lanthanum ion at zinc oxide functionalized nanochannel.

A significant increase of rare earth transition metals concentration in water reservoirs caused by the dumping of household materials and petrol-producing industries is a potential threat to human and aquatic life. Here, we demonstrate a model nanofluidic channel for the Lanthanum (La) ions recognition. To this end, a single conical nanochannel is first modified with poly allylamine hydrochloride followed by immobilization of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles on the channel surface through electrostatic adsorption. A significant change in the nanopore electrical readout is noticed when the functionalized nanochannel is exposed to an electrolyte solution having Lacations. The distinctive response by the nanofluidic system towards Laions is assumed to be due to ionic radii, hexagonal crystal structure, and associated basal plane interaction between anchored ZnO nanoparticles and Laions. We anticipate that this nanofluidic system can be used as a model to design highly sensitive metal ion detection devices.