An electrochemical sensor for detection of trace-level endocrine disruptor bisphenol A using Mo2Ti2AlC3 MAX phase/MWCNT composite modified electrode

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrially preferred material for the production of plastic and polycarbonate as well as a used material for the interior of food and beverage cans. In this study, synthesis and electrochemical sensor application of Mo2Ti2AlC3/MWCNT (multi-walled carbon nanotube) nanocomposite for BPA sensing was evaluated.Mo2Ti2AlC3 was used as MAX phase material in the design of the sensor, and MWCNT was preferred to increase conductivity and sensitivity. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to determine Mo2Ti2AlC3/MWCNT nanocomposite's electrochemical sensor performances which had LOD of 2.7 nM and LOQ of 8.91 nM in the linear working range of 0.01-8.50 mu M calculated from DPV. The composite showed a single oxidation step against BPA which is diffusion-controlled and irreversible. The sensor was successfully applied for the determination of BPA in milk pack, plastic bottle, and can with recoveries ranging from 95.67% to 100.60%. In addition, sensor performance was examined through selectivity, repeatability, and reusability studies. HPLC as a standard determination method was carried out for accuracy of the voltammetric determination method in the real samples. The developed sensor could be applied to different areas from industry quality control to clinical analysis for the detection of BPA.

Automated summary

This study developed an electrochemical sensor using Mo2Ti2AlC3/MWCNT nanocomposite for detecting BPA, with successful application in various food and packaging materials showing good recovery rates. The performance of the sensor was verified through selectivity, repeatability, and reusability studies.