Electrochemically functionalized graphene for highly sensitive detection of nitrofurazone

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Graphene nanosheets (GS) are promising nanomaterials for electrochemical applications.
• Surface modification of electrodes is crucial for enhancing sensing performance.
• Developing sensitive detection methods for contaminants like nitrofurazone (NFZ) is important for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and electrochemically functionalize graphene nanosheets on a glassy carbon electrode (GS/GCE).
• To investigate the enhanced electrochemical properties of the functionalized electrode (EGS/GCE).
• To develop a sensitive electrochemical method for nitrofurazone detection using EGS/GCE.

Main Methods:

• Graphene nanosheets (GS) prepared by ultrasonic exfoliation of graphite.
• GS suspension modified onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE).
• Electrochemical functionalization of GS/GCE at varying voltages in phosphate buffer.
• Electrochemical detection of nitrofurazone (NFZ) using the modified electrode.

Main Results:

• Electrochemical functionalization increased oxygen-containing groups and defect levels in GS/GCE.
• Enhanced active response area, electron transfer, and adsorption capacity of EGS/GCE.
• EGS/GCE showed significantly higher activity for NFZ oxidation and improved detection sensitivity.
• A detection limit of 2.1 nM for NFZ was achieved.
• Successful application in detecting NFZ in fish meat samples.

Conclusions:

• Electrochemical functionalization is an effective strategy to enhance graphene-based electrode performance.
• The developed EGS/GCE offers a highly sensitive and accurate method for NFZ detection.
• This method holds potential for practical application in food safety analysis.