Photoelectrochemical sensor based on Bi2(Te1-xSex)3 for the sensitive detection of the tetracycline hydrochloride

Tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) as an antibiotic is widely used in our daily life, but it has posed potential threats to the ecological environment for flowing into the natural environment. To address this issue, The photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor is first developed for the detection of TC-HCl by comparing and analyzing ternary Bi2(Te1-xSex)3 nanomaterials prepared through different ratios of hydrothermal methods. Specifically, the Bi2(Te1-xSex)3/Indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode can interact with TC-HCl rapidly and selectively which results in a significant reduction of the photocurrent signal. By regulating the ratio of x, it is found that Bi2Te2.85Se0.15/ITO have the best stability and the fastest response time in the detection of TC-HCl. The response/recovery speed of the sensor to TC-HCl is fast to 0.23s, a low detection limit of 0.08 pmol/l (S/N=3) and a linear detection fit of up to R2=0.992. Moreover, the sensor has good stability and specificity for TC-HCL detection, providing a new perspective for the development of PEC sensors.