Rational design and facile synthesis of binary metal sulfides VS2-SnS2 hybrid with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube for the selective detection of neurotransmitter dopamine.

In this work, we report a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for the detection of dopamine (DA) neurotransmitter based on VS 2 -SnS 2 /f-MWCNT hybrids. Herein, the binary metal sulfide (VS 2 -SnS 2) was synthesized via single step hydrothermal route and hybrids with f-MWCNT via the ultrasonication process. The as-prepared VS 2 -SnS 2 /f-MWCNT hybrids were characterized through the FESEM, EDX and elemental mapping, TEM, XPS, Raman and XRD techniques. The electrochemical performance and catalytic activity of the modified electrodes were probed using electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Interestingly, DPV results exhibits an appreciable linear range from 0.025 to 1017 μM and LOD of 0.008 μM. The selectivity study was performed to prove the high selectivity of the VS 2 -SnS 2 /f-MWCNT hybrids modified electrode. Furthermore, the practical applicability of the DA sensor was scrutinized in human serum sample and rat brain sample. Image 1 • Heterostructured VS 2 -SnS 2 bimetal sulfides synthesized via the single step hydrothermal method. • High conductive functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes hybrids with VS 2 -SnS 2 through the ultrasonication technique. • Electrochemical performance of the modified electrode was evaluated by CV and DPV techniques. • Selectivity of the DA sensor was demonstrated clearly with co-existing interfering substances. • Practical application of the sensor was demonstrated in rat brain and human serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]