Ultra-fast synthesis of iron decorated multiwalled carbon nanotube composite materials: A sensitive electrochemical sensor for determining dopamine

Real-time monitoring of dopamine (DA) levels, a critical neurotransmitter involved in motor function and blood pressure regulation, requires more sensitive and selective sensors over a dynamic concentration range. The immense need to build highly efficient catalysts has always been at the forefront of electrochemical detection research toward DA. Herein, we design and synthesis an iron carbides-based heterostructure composite (Fe/Fe3C@CNT) by the introduction of microwave-assisted method and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Remarkably, it took only about 1.5 min to completely the preparation process including the pyrolysis of ferrocene (iron sources) and the formation of Fe/Fe3C nanoparticles uniformly distributed on the CNTs. Due to the unique heterostructure, enhanced electrical conductivity and adequate dispersion of active sites, the fabricated sensors exhibit favorable selectivity and great sensing property, yielding a distinguishable and selective response to DA down to 15 nM with a good linearity scope of 0.050-40 mu M. The developed Fe/Fe3C@CNT electrode was then successfully applied to monitor the DA level from the real samples, which holds considerable promise for electrochemical detection and biosensing applications. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A highly efficient catalyst based on iron carbides was synthesized for real-time monitoring of dopamine levels, showing great selectivity and sensitivity down to 15 nM. The developed Fe/Fe3C@CNT electrode was successfully applied for dopamine detection in real samples, promising significant applications in electrochemical detection and biosensing.