A molecularly imprinted electrochemical BPA sensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified by CdTe quantum dots for the detection of bisphenol A

An imprinted electrochemical sensor based on multifunctional multi-walled carbon nanotubes was synthesized for detection of bisphenol A (BPA). Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) consist carboxylated quantum dots grafted with aminated multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a carrier, BPA as a template, and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as a monomer. The successful recombination of quantum dots allows the electrodes to translate small differences in concentration into large changes in current response. Modified materials were discussed by TEM, SEM, FT-IR, Fluorescence, XRD, together with a series of characterization of electrochemical behavior. The MIPs displayed well selectivity towards BPA and hardly showed response to interferes. Also, the sensor has a high stability (RSD of 5.17%) and repeatability (RSD of 0.43%). Moreover, the current response has a linear relationship range from 0.05 to 50 nmol L-1, with a detection limit of 0.015 nmol L-1. Finally, the modified electrode was utilized for the detection of 3 kinds of water samples which indicated that the sensor has potential for future applications in trace detection of BPA in environment water.

Automated summary

The imprinted electrochemical sensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes shows high efficiency in detecting BPA, with good selectivity and stability. It can detect extremely low concentrations of BPA and has the potential for trace detection in environmental water.