ABSTRACT
Carbon aerogels and xerogels are interesting innovative nanomaterials that can be used for the construction of electrochemical sensing devices as they posses excellent conductivity, low mass density, controllable porosity, large specific area and they may promote the electrochemical oxidation / reduction of molecules on the electrode surface, facilitating the charge transfer. In this context, recent advances in the preparation and characterization of carbon aerogels / xerogels are reviewed. Special attention is focused on carbon aerogels / xerogels, doped either with metals or with non-metals, as doping enhances electrical conductivity, improves thermal/oxidation stability, advantageously modifies the surface morphology and pore texture of the aerogels, as well as their particles size, and increases the catalytic activity of the aerogels. Examples illustrating different applications of carbon aerogels / xerogels-based electrochemical sensors/biosensors are presented with an emphasis on heavy metals detection. The challenges for future research are also briefly discussed.
