Disposable paper-based electrochemical sensor for hydroquinone detection in environmental samples using a MXene-CNT...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Hydroquinone (HQ) is a pollutant requiring sensitive detection methods.
• Existing methods for HQ detection can be complex and time-consuming.
• Development of portable electrochemical sensors is crucial for real-time monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electrochemical performance of a MXene/MWCNT composite sensor for HQ detection.
• To compare the performance of the MXene/MWCNT sensor with a MWCNT-only sensor.
• To assess the sensor's suitability for detecting HQ in undiluted water samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) modified with Ti₃C₂T_x/MWCNT composite.
• Electrochemical analysis of hydroquinone using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry.
• Evaluation of sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and detection limits in aqueous solutions.
• Comparison of performance between Ti₃C₂T_x/MWCNT/SPCE and MWCNT/SPCE sensors.

Main Results:

• The Ti₃C₂T_x/MWCNT/SPCE sensor exhibited a low detection limit of 0.055 µM for HQ.
• A wide linear range of 3-600 µM was achieved for the MXene-based sensor.
• The sensor demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for HQ, with minimal interference.
• The MWCNT/SPCE sensor showed a detection limit of 0.261 µM and a linear range of 6-900 µM.

Conclusions:

• MXene/MWCNT composite significantly enhances electrochemical sensor performance for HQ detection.
• The developed sensor is highly sensitive, selective, and suitable for undiluted water samples.
• This technology offers a feasible approach for rapid, portable, and real-time environmental monitoring of hydroquinone.