Rational construction of novel rose petals-like yttrium molybdate nanosheets: A Janus catalyst for the detection and degradation of cardioselective β-blocker agent acebutolol

Metal molybdates has paid emerging attention in variety of energy and environmental applications owing to their extraordinary physicochemical properties. In this regard, novel rose petal-like yttrium molybdate nanosheets (YMoO4; YM NSs) was successfully designed through a simple wet chemical method and fabricated as advanced bifunctional catalytic material. The as-prepared YM NSs catalyst were systematically scrutinized in terms of their crystal structure, morphologies, and optical properties using XRD, Raman, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, XPS and UV-DRS analysis. The bifunctional electro-and photocatalytic activity of as-prepared YM NSs was investigated towards the detection and degradation of beta-adrenergic receptor-blocker agent acebutolol (ACB) for the first time. Interestingly, the YM NSs modified glassy carbon electrode (YM NSs/ GCE) demonstrates an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards ACB with wider linear response ranges (0.01-9.6 mu M, 13-1632 mu M), lower detection limit (2.5 nM), good sensitivity (2.21 mu A mu M(-1)cm(-2)) and excellent selectivity even in the existence of some common cations, anions and biological substances. The sensor (YM NSs/ GCE) was successfully applied to determine the level of ACB in tablet, urine and water samples. Furthermore, the YM NSs was performed as superior photocatalyst for the degradation of as detected ACB. The YM NSs could degrade above 99% and mineralize above 74% of ACB aqueous suspension under visible light irradiation with superior recycling stability.