Synthesis and characterization of a new ceramic nanomaterial SiO2/NPsSm(2)O(3)/C-graphite for the development of electrochemical sensors

A new ceramic nanomaterial, SiO2/NPsSm(2)O(3)/C-graphite (specific surface area 340 m2 g(-1)), obtained by the sol-gel process, was synthesized for industrial, pharmaceutical, and environmental purposes. Information on the ceramic formation dynamics and its behavior were obtained by determining the following parameters: surface area, pore volume, imaging and three-dimensional appearance (scanning electron microscopy, coupled to dispersive energy spectroscopy), molecular structure and the presence of functional groups (thermogravimetry, Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectroscopy, and Si-29 nuclear magnetic resonance), and electrochemical behavior. SiO2/NPsSm(2)O(3)/C-graphite was used to construct electrodes with promising properties and showed that it can be used as a base substrate for the immobilization of electroactive species in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis.