Issue 41, 2025

Facile biosynthesis of spinel NiCo2O4 nanoparticles for electrochemical sensor development: highly sensitive and selective detection of metol in environmental samples

Abstract

The development of eco-friendly electrochemical sensors for monitoring toxic phenolic contaminants like metol (4-methylaminophenol sulfate) is critical for environmental and industrial safety. Here, we report a novel biosynthesized spinel NiCo2O4 nanoparticle-modified carbon paste electrode (NiCo2O4 NPs/CPE) for the ultrasensitive, selective, and low-cost detection of metol in complex real-world matrices. The NiCo2O4 NPs were synthesized via a facile plant-mediated green approach using mint (Mentha piperita) leaf extract, yielding well-dispersed, crystalline spinel structures (confirmed by FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques). The modified electrode exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward metol oxidation, achieving a record-low detection limit (2.22 nM) and wide linear range (0.008–11.0 μM). The sensor demonstrated exceptional anti-interference capability against common contaminants (e.g., hydroquinone, catechol, metal ions) and stability (>93% signal retention after 30 days). Crucially, the NiCo2O4 NPs/CPE was validated in real water samples (Nile River, tap water), showing excellent recovery rates (95.5–100.25%) and reproducibility (RSD < 2%). This work not only advances the design of sustainable nanozymes for electroanalysis but also provides a field-deployable, cost-effective solution for metol monitoring in environmental and consumer safety applications.

Graphical abstract: Facile biosynthesis of spinel NiCo2O4 nanoparticles for electrochemical sensor development: highly sensitive and selective detection of metol in environmental samples

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
07 Aug 2025
Accepted
18 Sep 2025
First published
24 Sep 2025

Anal. Methods, 2025,17, 8423-8434

Facile biosynthesis of spinel NiCo2O4 nanoparticles for electrochemical sensor development: highly sensitive and selective detection of metol in environmental samples

A. A. Shamroukh, M. M. Abou-Krisha, A. G. Alhamzani, M. Messali, E. A. Abdelrahman, A. R. Tawfik, M. Abd-Elsabour and M. Khodari, Anal. Methods, 2025, 17, 8423 DOI: 10.1039/D5AY01312G

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