A computational study on the adsorption and sensing of gabapentin by pristine and doped B₁₂N₁₂ nanocages

Gabapentin, one of the widely used antiepileptic drugs in the world, is found in aquatic environments because it cannot be completely removed by wastewater treatment techniques. Especially in the recent years, its accumulation in the aquatic environment has caused increasing concerns due to its toxic effects. For this reason, elimination and/or sensing of gabapentin from the water environment is necessitated. In the light of this, this context investigates a suitable nanomaterial by using Density Functional Theory. Within this study, the adsorption performance of XB₁₁N₁₂ (X: B, C, Al, Si, Ga) is evaluated. The interaction of gabapentin with the B₁₂N₁₂ and doped XB₁₁N₁₂ nanocages is analyzed with the help of Natural Bond Orbital Analysis, Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules, and Non-Covalent Interaction Analysis. Additionally, the sensing performance of the nanomaterials, and spontaneous behavior of processes are determined. The Electric Field effect on the adsorption and sensing of gabapentin is also inspected. It is found that the adsorption of gabapentin onto the Al doped nanocage is more suitable than the other doped nanocages with its more spontaneous nature. Hence, according to results, external Electric Field has an effect on the adsorption process. The obtained results demonstrate that doping of the B₁₂N₁₂ nanocage may be a promising method for gabapentin removal. It is hoped that the obtained results will be encouraging for new nanomaterials experiments in the future.