Novel synthesized SABA/MWCNTs composite to detect Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions in real samples of rice water, tobacco extract and raw milk

•A novel SABA/MWCNTs sensor was evolved for detection of Cd2+ and Pb2+.•SABA/MWCNTs were characterized by SEM, EDX, CV and EIS.•LOD was achieved for Cd2+(0.02 ng L−1) and Pb2+(0.012 ng L−1).•Electrochemical sensing of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in rice water, tobacco extract and raw milk samples with good recovery.•Finally, the observed data validated with AAS. The novel synthesized of salicylidene-2-amino benzyl alcohol (SABA)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified electrode was implied for the first time for detection of trace quantity of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in the aqueous medium using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The synthesis of salicylidene-2-amino benzyl alcohol (SABA) was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H1-NMR). The novel sensor (SABA/MWCNTs) was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). The conductivity of sensors was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The effect of pH, supporting electrolyte and preconcentration time were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) range was obtained between 0.02 ng L−1 for Cd2+ and 0.012 ng L−1 for Pb2+ ions. In addition, the developed method was also examined by analysis of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in rice water, tobacco extract and raw milk with good precision and accuracy. Also, the validation is carried out with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).