Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Based Electrochemical Sensor for 2,4-Dichlorophenol Determination

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) is a persistent environmental pollutant.
• Sensitive and selective detection methods for 2,4-DCP are crucial for environmental safety.
• Electrochemical sensors offer advantages in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for the detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP).
• To utilize molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) on a functionalized electrode for enhanced sensing capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a glassy carbon electrode modified with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.
• Electropolymerization of pyrrole on the modified electrode to create MIPs.
• Square wave voltammetry (SWV) for the electrochemical determination of 2,4-DCP.

Main Results:

• The MIP-based sensor exhibited high catalytic activity for 2,4-DCP oxidation.
• A linear relationship was observed between oxidation peak current and 2,4-DCP concentration from 0.04 to 2.0 µM.
• A low detection limit of 0.01 µM was achieved.
• The sensor demonstrated satisfactory performance in real water sample analysis.

Conclusions:

• The developed MIP-based electrochemical sensor is effective for sensitive and selective detection of 2,4-DCP.
• The sensor shows potential for practical application in environmental water quality monitoring.
• Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and MIPs significantly enhance the electrochemical sensing performance.