Ti3C2T x MXene/nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide composite: a high-performance electrochemical sensing platform for adrenaline detection

Herein, Ti3C2TxMXene/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 90.0μM 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%.