Fabrication of 2D-0D Ti3AlC2@SmVO4 heterojunction nanocomposites for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of sulfathiazole in environmental samples

Sonochemically combined 2D-0D Ti3AlC2@SmVO4 (TASV) nanocomposites are used for the electrochemical detection of Sulfathiazole (SFZ). TASV heterojunction composites are characterized thoroughly to understand its crystal structure, chemical composition, morphology, topography, vibrational modes and electronic states using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman microscopy. The fabrication of the modified electrode is constructed by drop-casting the TASV layer onto the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Being an excellent electrocatalyst, the TASV displayed a superior surface area. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) are used to investigate the electrochemical property of TASV composites. The results show a remarkable detection range for SFZ sensing. Additionally, the determined limit of detection (LOD) for SFZ sensing is superior to other reported sensors. Subsequently, the TASV based electrochemical sensor can be advised for real-world sample analysis. River water and urine are used to investigate the performance of TASV sensors in real-world conditions, and the obtained results are highly admirable.

Automated summary

In this study, sonochemically combined 2D-0D Ti3AlC2@SmVO4 nanocomposites were successfully used for the electrochemical detection of Sulfathiazole. Thorough characterization of the TASV heterojunction composites revealed their excellent electrochemical properties and remarkable detection range for SFZ sensing. The performance of TASV sensors in real-world conditions was also highly admirable.