Zinc Nanoparticles for Nitrite Detection via Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Studies

1Yohanna Peter and 1Philemon Handawa
1Adamawa State College of Education Hong, Nigeria

ABSTRACT
The development of efficient and eco-friendly nanomaterials has gained attention due to their wide applications in
catalysis, sensing, and biomedical systems. In this study, zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) were synthesized and
characterized using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods to evaluate their potential in nitrite detection. The
UV–visible spectrum of the nanoparticles exhibited a strong absorption peak around 375 nm, confirming the
formation of stable ZnNPs with unique surface plasmon resonance properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR)
spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amine moieties, which
indicated the successful capping and stabilization of the nanoparticles by phytochemicals. Cyclic voltammetry (CV)
was employed to analyze the electrochemical behavior of bare platinum (Pt) electrodes and ZnNP-modified
electrodes. Results demonstrated a significant enhancement in redox current response after nanoparticle
modification, showing improved electron transfer kinetics. Furthermore, ZnNP-modified electrodes exhibited
remarkable sensitivity towards nitrite detection, with distinct anodic peaks recorded at 3 mM nitrite
concentration. A linear relationship between nitrite concentration and current response was established,
confirming the quantitative sensing capability of the developed sensor. These findings suggest that ZnNPs possess
promising potential as low-cost, eco-friendly electrochemical sensors for nitrite detection in environmental and
food safety applications. The combined spectroscopic and voltammetric analyses provide a foundation for further
optimization of ZnNP-based nanomaterials for advanced sensing technologies.
Keywords: Zinc nanoparticles, UV–Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR analysis, Cyclic voltammetry, Nitrite detection,
Electrochemical sensor, Nanomaterials.

CITE AS: Yohanna Peter and Philemon Handawa (2025). Zinc Nanoparticles for Nitrite Detection via
Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Studies. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF
SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES: 6(3) Page 249-256.https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2025/63.249256