Synthesis and Characterization of Pyrochlore-Type Praseodymium Stannate Nanoparticles: An Effective Electrocatalyst for Detection of Nitrofurazone Drug in Biological Samples

Apart from perovskites, the development of different types of pyrochlore oxides is highly focused on various electrochemical applications in recent times. Based on this, we have synthesized pyrochlore-type praseodymium stannate nanoparticles (Pr2Sn2O7 NPs) by using a coprecipitation method and further investigated by different analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Followed by this, we have designed a unique and novel electrochemical sensor for nitrofurazone detection, by modifying the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with the prepared Pr2Sn2O7 NPs. For that, the electrochemical experiments were performed by using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques. The Pr2Sn2O7 NPs modified GCE exhibits high sensitivity (2.11 mu A mu M-1 cm(-2)), selectivity, dynamic linear ranges (0.01-24 mu M and 32-332 mu M), and lower detection limit (4 nM). Furthermore, the Pr2Sn2O7 NPs demonstrated promising real sample analysis with good recovery results in biological samples (human urine and blood serum) which showed better results than the noble metal catalysts. Based on these results, the present work gives clear evidence that the pyrochlore oxides are highly suitable electrode materials for performing outstanding catalytic activity toward electrochemical sensors.

Automated summary

In addition to perovskites, recent research has focused on the development of various electrochemical applications using different types of pyrochlore oxides. A novel electrochemical sensor for nitrofurazone detection was successfully designed by modifying the glassy carbon electrode with Pr2Sn2O7 NPs, demonstrating high sensitivity, selectivity, dynamic linear ranges, and a lower detection limit. The Pr2Sn2O7 NPs also showed promising results in real sample analysis, outperforming noble metal catalysts and indicating their potential as electrode materials for outstanding catalytic activity in electrochemical sensors.