Ternary NiO/Ag/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as, a sensitive electrochemical sensor for nanomolarity detection of sunset yellow in soft drinks

NiO nanoparticles (NPs) with small Ag NPs loading supported on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (ternary NiO/Ag/RGO nanocomposites) were synthesized via a hydrothermal process followed by high-temperature calcination, extending the synergistic effects among noble metal, metal oxide and carbon materials. Based on ternary NiO/Ag/RGO nanocomposites, a new electrochemical sensor was fabricated for the detection of sunset yellow (SY) in soft drinks through cyclic voltammetry, Tafel plot and differential pulse voltammetry. The experimental conditions were optimized and kinetic parameters studied. Due to the synergistic effect of the ternary components, the prepared sensor exhibited superior electroanalytical performance toward SY detection, including wide linear range from 0.1 to 50 mu M and from 50 to 450 mu M, low detection limit of 13 nM, excellent specificity against various interfering colorants, good reproducibility and stability. Importantly, the electrochemical sensors was successfully employed for quantitative SY analysis in soft drinks with satisfactory recoveries, where the analyzed results were also in agreement with LC/MS analysis.

Automated summary

NiO/Ag/RGO nanocomposites were successfully synthesized and used for the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor for SY detection. The synergistic effect of the ternary components contributed to the superior performance of the sensor in SY detection.