Sustainable electrochemical sensor utilizing polyaniline-vanadium pentoxide (PANI-V₂O₅) nanocomposite for recognition...

Pesticide residues pose a major threat to ecosystems and human health, creating an urgent need for sensitive, rapid, and affordable detection technologies. Electrochemical sensing has gained prominence owing to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and high analytical efficiency. This study aims to develop a sustainable electrochemical sensor based on a polyaniline-vanadium pentoxide (PANI-V₂O₅) nanocomposite for detection of the insecticide emamectin benzoate (EmBz). The work focuses on fabricating the nanocomposite, characterizing its structural and thermal properties, and evaluating its electrochemical and sensing performance.

PANI-V₂O₅ nanocomposites were synthesized via oxidative polymerization and characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, confirming well-defined crystallinity, chemical bonding, and thermal stability. Electrochemical testing using cyclic voltammetry revealed two distinct redox peak pairs, indicating excellent reversibility and enhanced electroactivity. Galvanostatic charge/discharge analysis yielded a specific capacitance of 119.53 F/g, an energy density of 26.83 F/g V², and a power density of 243.91 F/g V²/h, demonstrating a high charge storage capability. Differential pulse voltammetry showed clear responses to varying EmBz concentrations, enabling quantitative detection. The fabricated sensor had a limit of detection of 9.6 × 10^-5 and a limit of quantification of 2.9 × 10^-3, confirming its ability to detect EmBz at low levels.

The PANI-V₂O₅-based sensor exhibits high electroactive performance, excellent capacitance, and strong analytical sensitivity toward EmBz. These findings highlight its potential as a reliable and sustainable platform for monitoring pesticide contaminants, contributing to improved environmental safety and analytical sensor development. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.