Fabrication of a sensitive electrochemical sensor platform using reduced graphene oxide-molybdenum trioxide nanocomposite for BPA detection: An endocrine disruptor

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a potential endocrine-disrupting compound (EDC) that has adversely affected human health and the environment. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop a convenient, highly sensitive, and accurate method to detect BPA. Herein, we have developed a very efficient, sensitive electrochemical BPA sensor utilizing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles (MoO(3)Nps) nanocomposite. The in situ synthesis of MoO(3)Nps onto the surface of rGO sheets was achieved through one-pot hydrothermal synthesis at a lower temperature where the chemical functionality and two-dimensional structure of rGO combined with MoO(3)Nps has provided an excellent platform for BPA detection. The synergistic effect between rGO and MoO(3)Nps can effectively utilize their larger active surface area, superior conductivity, and enhanced electrochemical behavior. The morphological, structural, and electrochemical changes of the rGO_MoO(3)Nps nanocomposite have been characterized through X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical techniques. The thin films of rGO_MoO(3)Nps nanocomposite were fabricated using electrophoretic deposition on indium tin oxide coated glass. The proposed sensor rGO_MoO(3)Nps/ITO exhibited high sensitivity of 13.96 mu A (log nM)(-1) cm(2), wider linear range (0.76 x 10(-9) mu M-0.820 mu M), and lowest limit of detection (0.12 nM) achieved till now, in comparison to earlier nanocomposite based sensor platforms. Furthermore, the sensor displayed good selectivity towards BPA and has the application in real samples such as packaged water, canned cold drink, and processed milk. Thus, rGO_MoO(3)Nps nanocomposite could emerge as a promising material for the detection of other estrogenic substrates also.

Automated summary

A highly efficient electrochemical BPA sensor utilizing reduced graphene oxide and molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles nanocomposite has been developed, providing excellent sensitivity and accuracy for BPA detection. The in situ synthesis of MoO(3)Nps onto the surface of rGO sheets through one-pot hydrothermal synthesis has created a superior platform for BPA detection, promising potential application in detecting other estrogenic substrates in the future.