Abstract
Sm2O3-doped ZnO hierarchical composites were prepared via a facile, simple hydrothermal method using Zn(CH3COO)(2.2)H2O and Sm(NO3)(3)0.6H(2)O as precursors. Growth temperature, time, and pH for the reaction were 7 h, 155 degrees C and 9.5, respectively. Needle-shaped and compound leaf-shaped structures with ovate or triangular-ovate outlines similar to those of Beech Fern (Phegopteris hexagonoptera) for hierarchical composites were formed. Further, the synthesized Sm2O3-doped ZnO hierarchical composites were used as efficient electron mediators for the preparation of highly sensitive, fast and reliable nitroaniline electrochemical sensors. A sensitivity of 1.71 mu A mu M-1 cm(-2) with a very low experimental detection limit of 15.6 mu M was reported for Sm2O3-doped ZnO hierarchical composites modified Ag electrode. Thus, as synthesized Sm2O3-doped ZnO hierarchical composites are potential and efficient electron mediators for the fabrication of sensitive, reliable and reproducible chemical sensors. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.