A photoelectrochemical sensor based on β-cyclodextrin-modified MoS2 quantum dots-WS2 nanosheet composites for the detection of benzo [a]pyrene

A photoelectrochemical sensor has been developed for the detection of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutant benzo [a]pyrene (BaP). An n-butyl lithium intercalation stripping method is applied to prepare tungsten disulphide nanosheets (WS2 NSs). WS2 NSs and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD)-modified MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) are then compounded by hydrogen bonding between the amino and hydroxyl groups. After assembly on an indium tin oxide electrode, the energy level matching and synergistic photoelectric effect between beta-CD-MoS2 QDs and WS2 NSs reduced the combination of photogenerated electrons and holes and an enhanced photocurrent signal is observed. As a result of the host-guest interaction between beta-CD and BaP, BaP could bind to the beta-CD-MoS2 QDs in the nanocomposites, which hinders the electron migration to the electrode and weakened the photocurrent signal. Thus, the trace detection of BaP is realized. The rate of photocurrent change is also related to the BaP concentration from 1 to 20 nmol/L with a detection limit of 0.33 nmol/L. In summary, a highly sensitive and selective photoelectrochemical sensor for the detection of BaP is successfully constructed.

Automated summary

A photoelectrochemical sensor has been developed for the detection of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutant benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). The sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity and utilizes a nanocomposite material to enhance the photocurrent signal.