Detection and detoxification of imidacloprid in food samples through ionic liquid-stabilized CuNi alloy nanoparticle-decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes

The development of resourceful catalysts with effective quantification as well as the detoxification of insecticides is a major challenge in terms of food safety and sustainable agriculture. The present study reports the development of ionic liquid-stabilized CuNi alloy nanoparticle-decorated MWCNTs (CuNi/IL@MWCNTs) via a simple reduction method and the characterization techniques confirm the morphology, size and oxidation state of CuNi/IL@MWCNTs. Furthermore, the CuNi/IL@MWCNTs/glass carbon electrode (GCE) showed selectivity and excellent electrocatalytic activity towards imidacloprid (IMD), resulting in exceedingly low limit of detection (11 nM), good stability, and wide linear range (0.0125-240 mu M) for the detection of imidacloprid. Interestingly, CuNi/IL@MWCNTs also show excellent recovery results (97.4-101.2%) in spiked corn and rice samples. In addition to the quantification of IMD, the CuNi/IL@MWCNTs achieved almost complete degradation (up to 99.6%) behavior to detoxify the IMD in an aqueous system in 100 s with good reusability. Confidently, the proposed study can provide a functional material for the sensitive detection and quick detoxification of low concentration IMD in food samples in developing and remote areas.

Automated summary

This study reports the development of CuNi alloy nanoparticle-decorated MWCNTs stabilized by an ionic liquid for the sensitive detection and detoxification of imidacloprid. The material exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and selectivity towards imidacloprid, as well as high recovery rates in spiked corn and rice samples. Moreover, it achieved almost complete degradation of imidacloprid in aqueous systems with good reusability.