Developing a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for malathion detection based on green g-C₃N₄@LiCoO₂...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Societal demand for pesticide-free agriculture necessitates advanced monitoring tools.
• Electrochemical sensors offer an effective approach for detecting and controlling pesticide residues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for malathion detection.
• To modify glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) with g-C3N4@LiCoO2 nanocomposites for enhanced performance.

Main Methods:

• Modification of glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) with green g-C3N4@LiCoO2 nanocomposites.
• Electrochemical probing of malathion using the modified GCE.
• Analysis of electrocatalytic performance and detection limits.

Main Results:

• The g-C3N4@LiCoO2 modified GCE exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity for malathion oxidation.
• A linear detection range of 5-120 nM with R² = 0.994 was achieved.
• A low limit of detection (LOD) of 4.38 nM was recorded, demonstrating high sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• The developed g-C3N4@LiCoO2 modified GCE is a cost-effective, sensitive, and selective sensor for malathion.
• The sensor shows considerable stability and reproducibility, suitable for practical applications.
• This advancement contributes to the goal of pesticide-free agriculture through effective monitoring.