Au/TiO2-based molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical sensor for dibutyl phthalate detection

A photoelectrochemical molecular imprinting sensor based on Au/TiO2 nanocomposite was constructed for the detection of dibutyl phthalate. Firstly, TiO2 nanorods were grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate by hydrothermal method. Then, gold nanoparticles were electrodeposited on TiO2 to fabricate Au/TiO2. Finally, molecular imprinted polymer was electropolymerized on the Au/TiO2 surface to construct MIP/Au/TiO2 PEC sensor for DBP. The conjugation effect of MIP accelerates the electron transfer between TiO2 and MIP, which can greatly improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency and sensitivity of the sensor. In addition, MIP can also provide sites for highly selective recognition of dibutyl phthalate molecules. Under optimal experimental conditions, the prepared photoelectrochemical sensor was used for the quantitative determination of DBP and the results showed a wide linear range (50 to 500 nM), a low limit of detection (0.698 nM), and good selectivity. The sensor was used in a study of real water samples to show that it has promising applications in environmental analysis.

Automated summary

A photoelectrochemical molecular imprinting sensor based on Au/TiO2 nanocomposite was developed for the detection of dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Through the growth of TiO2 nanorods by hydrothermal method and electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles on TiO2, the Au/TiO2 composite was fabricated. Then, a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) was electropolymerized on the Au/TiO2 surface to enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency and sensitivity of the sensor. The MIP also provided highly selective recognition sites for DBP molecules. The sensor exhibited a wide linear range, low limit of detection, and good selectivity, showing promising applications in environmental analysis.