BaO-MWCNT composite material-based electrocatalytic amperometric sensor for the detection of environmentally hazardous Diuron

Population growth has prompted industrialization and intensive agricultural methods, which are linked to issues with flora and fauna and result in deteriorated water quality due to contamination by hazardous, persistent pesticides. In this paper, we have concentrated on the herbicide Diuron (DIU) determination as one such priority pollutant. This study was conducted keeping in mind key factors for a proficient electrochemical sensor development for DIU. The working electrode surface area was modified with the as-synthesized BaO-MWCNT composite material to reinforce the efficiency of the Faradaic reaction. A three-fold magnification in DIU anodic peak current was witnessed at the modified electrode in contrast to an unmodified electrode, demonstrating the enhanced electrochemical surface area of the BaO-MWCNT/MCPE. Additionally, the least charge transfer resistance and facile reaction catalysis for strong analyte interaction are the key factors in the fabrication of the sensor. The Nyquist plot and cyclic voltammograms provided evidence that the BaO-MWCNT/MCPE sensor has caused electrocatalytic oxidation of DIU. Thus, BaO-MWCNT composite material is a viable modifier in an electrochemical sensor. However, the study also evaluated the dearth of published studies on the electrochemical detection of other interfering species, such as amitrole, bentazone, and carbendazim, during real sample analysis. Furthermore, the sensor was efficiently utilized for the electrochemical DIU quantification in soil and water samples. These results emphasize the developed sensor to portray good selectivity, sensitivity, and reliability for DIU determinations.