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An enzyme-free electrochemical method is described for the determination of trace levels of malathion. It is based on a nanostructured copper-cerium oxide (CuO-CeO2) composite prepared by calcination of a Cu(II)/Ce(III) metal-organic framework. The morphology, crystal structure and elemental composition of composite was studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The principle for malathion determination is based on the fact that the redox signal of CuO (best measured at around −0.1 V vs. SCE) (at 100 mV/s) is inhibited by malathion due to affinity between CuO and the sulfur groups of malathion. The introduction of CeO2 into the composite system further improves the analytical performance. This is attributed to the unique microstructure and the synergistic effect between CuO and CeO2. Experimental parameters like solution pH value, Cu/Ce molar ratio, accumulation potential, accumulation time, and CuO-CeO2 volume on the electrode were optimized. The assay has a linear range of 10 fM to 100 nM and a 3.3 fM detection limit (at S/N = 3). The electrode is selectively inhibited by malathion even in the presence of potentially interfering substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/N-doped reduced graphene oxide (MXene/N-rGO) composite was employed as the electrocatalyst to construct a new electrochemical sensing platform for the determination of adrenaline (AD). The MXene/N-rGO was synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal method, where ethylenediamine acted as a reducing agent and N source. The doped N in rGO served as a bridge between MXene and rGO through tight hydrogen bonds. Scanning electron microscopy showed that large numbers of MXenes with accordion-like morphology were distributed on the surface of the N-rGO. The MXene/N-rGO composite displayed a synergetic catalytic effect for oxidizing AD, originating from the unique catalytic activity of N-rGO and the large surface area and satisfactory conductivity of MXene. These characteristics of composite material led to a remarkable effect on signal amplification for the detection of AD, with a wide linear range from 10.0 nM to 90.0 μ M and a low detection limit of 3.0 nM based on a signal to noise ratio of 3. Moreover, the MXene/N-rGO electrode displayed good stability, repeatability, and reproducibility. Additionally, the proposed sensor was successfully applied for voltammetric sensing of AD in urine with recoveries from 97.75% to 103.0%., (© 2021 IOP Publishing Ltd.)