Selective and stable visible-light-prompted scavenger-free photoelectrochemical strategy based on a ternary ErVO/P@g-CN/SnS nanocomposite for the detection of lead ions in different water samples.

Lead ions (Pb) are heavy metal environmental pollutants that can significantly impact biological health. In this study, the synthesis of a ternary nanocomposite, ErVO/P@g-CN/SnS, was achieved using a combination of hydrothermal synthesis and mechanical grinding. The as-fabricated photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor was found to be an ideal substrate for Pb detection with high sensitivity and reliability. The ErVO/P@g-CN/SnS/FTO was selected as the substrate because of its remarkable and reliable photocurrent response. The Pb sensor exhibited a low detection limit of 0.1 pM and a broad linear range of 0.002-0.2 nM. Moreover, the sensor exhibited outstanding stability, selectivity, and reproducibility. In real-time applications, it exhibited stable recovery and a low relative standard deviation, ensuring reliable and accurate measurements. The as-prepared PEC sensor was highly stable for the detection of Pb in different water samples. This promising characteristic highlights its significant potential for use in the detection of environmental pollutants.