Ti3C2Tx MXene/nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide composite: a high-performance electrochemical sensing platform for adrenaline detection

Herein, Ti3C2Tx MXene/N-doped reduced graphene oxide (MXene/N-rGO) composite was employed as the electrocatalyst to construct a new electrochemical sensing platform for the determination of adrenaline (AD). The MXene/N-rGO was synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal method, where ethylenediamine acted as a reducing agent and N source. The doped N in rGO served as a bridge between MXene and rGO through tight hydrogen bonds. Scanning electron microscopy showed that large numbers of MXenes with accordion-like morphology were distributed on the surface of the N-rGO. The MXene/N-rGO composite displayed a synergetic catalytic effect for oxidizing AD, originating from the unique catalytic activity of N-rGO and the large surface area and satisfactory conductivity of MXene. These characteristics of composite material led to a remarkable effect on signal amplification for the detection of AD, with a wide linear range from 10.0 nM to 90.0 mu M and a low detection limit of 3.0 nM based on a signal to noise ratio of 3. Moreover, the MXene/N-rGO electrode displayed good stability, repeatability, and reproducibility. Additionally, the proposed sensor was successfully applied for voltammetric sensing of AD in urine with recoveries from 97.75% to 103.0%.

Automated summary

In this study, Ti3C2Tx MXene/N-doped reduced graphene oxide (MXene/N-rGO) composite was used as an electrocatalyst to construct a new electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of adrenaline (AD). The composite material displayed excellent catalytic activity and conductivity, leading to effective signal amplification for the detection of AD with good stability and reproducibility. The successful application of the sensor in urine samples demonstrated its high accuracy and reliability for AD detection.