Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) for Heavy Metal Ion Detection

The objective of this paper is to study the potential for sensitive and selective detection of heavy metal ions using functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Due to increasing industrial pollution, the presence of heavy metal ions such as lead (Pb²⁺), cadmium (Cd²⁺), mercury (Hg²⁺), and arsenic (As³⁺) in the environment poses a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. In this study, MWCNTs were functionalized with various chemical groups, such as –COOH, –NH₂, or –OH, to enhance their surface activity and ion-binding capacity. After functionalization, the structure and properties of the nanotubes were analyzed using FTIR, SEM, TEM, and XRD techniques. The results indicate that the functionalized MWCNTs have high sensitivity and fast response times to heavy metal ions. This study demonstrates that MWCNT-based nano sensors can be an effective technology for the rapid and accurate determination of heavy metals in water and environmental samples. This research thus strengthens the potential for the use of nanotechnology in the field of environmental monitoring and water quality control.