Sensing lead ions in water: a comprehensive review on strategies and sensor materials.

It is well-known fact that elevated lead ions (Pb), the third most toxic among heavy metal ions in aqueous systems, pose a threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems when they exceed permissible limits. Pb is commonly found in industrial waste and fertilizers, contaminating water sources and subsequently entering the human body, causing various adverse health conditions. Unlike being expelled, Pb accumulates within the body, posing potential health risks. The harmful impact of presence of Pb in water have prompted researchers to diligently work toward maintaining water quality. Recognizing the importance of Pb, this review article makes a sincere and effective effort to address the issues associated with Pb. This overview article gives insights into various sensing approaches to detect Pb in water using different sensing materials, including 2-dimensional materials, thiols, quantum dots, and polymers. Herein, different sensing approaches such as electrochemical, optical, field effect transistor-based, micro-electromechanical system-based, and chemi resistive are thoroughly explained. Field effect transistor-based and chemiresistive work on similar principles and are compared on the basis of their fabrication processes and sensing capabilities. In conclusion, future directions for chemiresistive sensors in Pb detection are proposed, emphasizing their simplicity, portability, straightforward functionality, and ease of fabrication. Notably, it sheds light on various thiol and ligand compounds and coupling strategies utilized in Pb detection. This comprehensive study is expected to benefit individuals engaged in Pb detection.