Recent advance of nanomaterials modified electrochemical sensors in the detection of heavy metal ions in food and water.

In this review, the research progress of various kinds of nanomaterials for high performance of electrochemical HMI sensors were summarized in detail. The synthesis strategies, advantages, performance and challenges of the various nanomaterials for application in electrochemical HMI sensors are discussed. [Display omitted] • Deep insights into nanomaterials-based electrochemical HMI sensors were discussed. • Recent advances of electrochemical HMI sensing modified nanomaterials are reviewed. • The design ideas, innovations and merits of the modified materials were discussed. • Remaining challenges and prospects of the modified nanomaterials were presented. As one of the main pollutants, heavy metal ions can accumulate in the human body and cause a cascade of damage. Electrochemical sensors provide great prospects for tracing heavy metal ions because of their properties of high sensitivity, low detection limits and fast response. Electrode surface modification materials play a key role in enhancing the performance of electrochemical sensors. Herein, we summarize in detail the recent work on electrochemical sensors modified by carbon nanomaterials (graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes), metal nanomaterials (gold, silver, bismuth and iron), complexes (MOFs, ZIFs and MXenes) and their composites for the detection of heavy metal ions (mainly include Cd(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), As(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) in food and water. The synthetic strategies, mechanisms, innovations, advantages, challenges and prospects of various electrode modification nanomaterials for the detection of heavy metal ions in food and water are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]