Nb-based MXenes for efficient electrochemical sensing of small biomolecules in the anodic potential

In this work, we study the electrochemical performance of Nb2CTx and Nb4C3Tx MXenes in the aqueous media and their application as a sensing platform for small biomolecules. Both Nb2CTx and Nb4C3Tx are electrochemically stable up to an anodic potential of 0.5 V. It was found that Nb4C3Tx is more electrochemically active than Nb2CTx. Based on this, Nb4C3Tx was evaluated for the electrochemical detection of aqueous media solutions containing ascorbic acid, uric acid and dopamine. This work opens the door for the wider application of Nb-based MXenes in aqueous electrochemical sensing applications.