Enhancing charge separation/transfer based on Co(II) doped tubular g-C3N4 for photoelectrochemical atrazine aptasensing

Atrazine (ATZ) is one of the most widely used triazine herbicides with characteristics of easy mobility, high persistence and difficult degradation. Its bioaccumulation causes a serious problem to aqueous environment. Therefore, it is a pressing need for highly sensitive and selective detection of ATZ to deal with water pollution quickly. In this work, Photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor was been formed by Co(II) doped g-C3N4 nanotubes (Co(II)/g-C3N4) for the specific detection of ATZ. The tubular structure can provide multiple light reflection/ scattering channels for rapid and long-distance electron transfer, which is favorable to promote photo-generated carriers separation. The Co(II) is located in the interlayer of g-C3N4, which can modulate the electronic structure and energy band to promote PEC performance of g-C3N4. Due to the specific recognition between aptamer and ATZ, aptamer can be used to enhance the selectivity of sensor. The PEC aptasensor showed a low detection limit (3.33 x10-3 fM) and a broad linear range (1 x10-2 - 1 x103 fM) of ATZ. Furthermore, the PEC aptasensor exhibited excellent selectivity and stability in real water sample. This work not only provides a simplified and cost-effective method for detecting ATZ, but also provides insights into the detection of other pollutants.

Automated summary

In this study, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor was developed using Co(II) doped g-C3N4 nanotubes for the specific detection of Atrazine (ATZ). The aptamer improved the selectivity of the sensor through specific recognition with ATZ. The PEC aptasensor showed excellent selectivity and stability in real water samples. This work provides a simplified and cost-effective method for detecting ATZ and insights into the detection of other pollutants.