Hematite nanoparticle-modified carbon paper as a promising electrochemical sensor for atropine detection in beverages

This study proposes that the electroanalytical determination of atropine in beverages can be enhanced by modifying a carbon paper electrode with Fe₂O₃ nanostructures. We aim to explore how this modification affects the electrochemical response when using square wave voltammetry for atropine detection. The incorporation of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on CP improves the electrode's sensitivity and selectivity. Electrostatic calculations suggest that at pH 11, the electrode surface becomes negatively charged, which is more favorable for interactions with protonated atropine compared to its deprotonated form. The performance of the CP/Fe₂O₃ electrode was characterized by a limit of detection of 0.075 mM and a limit of quantification of 0.250 mM. In beverage samples, the presence of common interferents did not significantly affect atropine detection, demonstrating the electrode's robustness with satisfactory recovery percentages. These findings suggest that electrode could be a disposable and viable tool for sensitive and reliable atropine detection in complex matrices.