Progress in the sensing techniques for heavy metal ions using nanomaterials

Abstract

The widespread pollution of toxic metals has drawn much attention due to its potential to harm both human health and the environment. Recently, a large volume of scientific literature has identified a potent role for nanomaterials in capturing, separating, and probing for such hazardous pollutants. This review discusses the opportunities and challenges in applying nanomaterials to sense hazardous metals in relation to their general working principles. This review evaluates their performance and advantages about conventional analytical methods. Our review also describes the basic features of this developing field to help establish a plan to counteract heavy metal ions contamination.