Application of Nanopore and Porous Materials for Heavy Metal Ion Detection

Porous materials exhibit distinct advantages for heavy metal sensing after functionalization with corresponding ionosphere as compared to the direct utility of ionosphere in solution without porous materials substrate. In recent years, engineered protein nanopore and artificial nanopore emerged to be a promising platform to build sensors for analysis of metal ions. This article reviewed recent development and current status of detection of heavy metal ions using nanopore and porous materials. The emphasis was given to the mesoporous silica materials. Except silicate based porous materials which could be used for ionosphere embedment, there were several other kinds of porous materials including porous metallosupramolecular networks, porous metal oxide, porous carbon materials, porous polymer membrane and porous clays, which could also be employed to construct metal ion sensors. Finally, we discussed the contents and goal of further research in this field.

Graphical abstractThis article reviewed recent development and current status of detection of heavy metal ions using nanopore and porous materials. The emphasis was given to the mesoporous silica materials. Other porous and nanopore materials were introduced briefly. Finally, we discussed the contents and goal of further research in this field.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide