High-performance electrochemical sensor for Cd2+ and Cu2+ utilizing Ti3AlC2@graphene oxide-modified glassy carbon electrode

Abstract

Monitoring of heavy metals in the environment is critical to reduce health risks. The establishment of a simple and effective electrochemical sensor with high sensitivity and a wide linear range is required for the determination of heavy metal ions. This study reports a new nanocomposite of MAX-phase Ti₃AlC₂ and graphene oxide (GO) for the electrochemical sensing of cadmium and copper ions. The nanocomposite was synthesized by a modified mixture method and characterized using various physicochemical characterization techniques. XRD patterns confirmed a highly crystalline, phase-pure structure, and SEM analysis revealed the rough and porous surface morphology of the Ti₃AlC₂@GO nanocomposite. The elemental composition and XPS spectra of the nanocomposite confirmed the successful integration of MAX-phase Ti₃AlC₂ with GO. The nanocomposite was modified onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using a simple drop-casting procedure. The electrochemical activity of the Ti₃AlC₂@GO/GCE was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry with differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) for metal ion analysis. The results indicated that the presence of the Ti₃AlC₂@GO nanocomposite on the GCE enhanced the sensitivity and selectivity for Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ analysis. The sensor demonstrated a wide linear range from 0.1 to 100.0 µM with low detection limits of 0.055 µM for Cd²⁺ and 0.059 µM for Cu²⁺. The Ti₃AlC₂@GO/GCE showed excellent stability, sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility, making it a promising platform for the reliable electrochemical detection of Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ in environmental monitoring applications.