In-situ synthesized MgIn2S4/CdWO4 type-II heterojunction as a light-driven photoelectrochemical sensor for ultrasensitive detection of catechol in environmental water samples

Yuhui Qiu; Minghui Huang; Xiaoqian Sun; Yilin Wang; Kunxiang Deng; Zhifang Liu; Yixi Xie; Pengcheng Zhao; Junjie Fei

doi:10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126206

In-situ synthesized MgIn₂S₄/CdWO₄ type-II heterojunction as a light-driven photoelectrochemical sensor for ultrasensitive detection of catechol in environmental water samples

Talanta. 2024 May 11:276:126206. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126206. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Yuhui Qiu¹, Minghui Huang¹, Xiaoqian Sun¹, Yilin Wang¹, Kunxiang Deng¹, Zhifang Liu¹, Yixi Xie², Pengcheng Zhao³, Junjie Fei⁴

Affiliations

¹ Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, People's Republic of China.
² Key Laboratory for Green Organic Synthesis and Application of Hunan Province, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, People's Republic of China.
³ Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: pczhao@xtu.edu.cn.
⁴ Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, People's Republic of China; Hunan Institute of Advanced Sensing and Information Technology, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: fei_junjie@xtu.edu.cn.

PMID: 38749163
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126206

Abstract

As an essential chemical intermediate, catechol (CC) residues may have adverse effects on human health. Herein, an effective and facile photoelectrochemical sensor platform based on MgIn₂S₄/CdWO₄ composite is constructed for monitoring CC. MgIn₂S₄ increases light absorption range and activity, while CdWO₄ enhances photoelectronic stability, and the type-II heterojunction formed can significantly enhance photocurrent response. Due to the autoxidation process, CC is converted into oligomeric products, which increase the spatial site resistance and attenuate the overall photocurrent response. It is worth noting that the cauliflower-like structure of MgIn₂S₄ can provide a large specific surface area, and the presence of Mg²⁺ promotes autoxidation, thus providing a suitable condition for detecting CC. Under optimal conditions, the MgIn₂S₄/CdWO₄/GCE photoelectrochemical sensor has a prominent linear relationship in the range of CC concentration from 2 nM to 7 μM, with a limit of detection of 0.27 nM. With satisfactory selectivity, excellent stability, and remarkable reproducibility, this sensor provides a crucial reference value for effectively and rapidly detecting pollutants in environmental water samples.

Keywords: Catechol; CdWO(4); Heterojunction; MgIn(2)S(4); Photoelectrochemical sensor.