A highly sensitive disposable electrochemical sensor based on copper nanoparticles for pesticide imidacloprid determination in contaminated water sources

Abstract

The study aimed to develop a new electrochemical sensor based on a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with copper nanoparticles (SPE/CuNPs) to determine imidacloprid (IMI) pesticide in environmental samples. The sensor's structural characterization and electrochemical performance were assessed through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry. The results indicated that the SPE/CuNPs exhibited a porous and rough surface morphology, which enhances the adsorption of chemical species at the electrode/solution interface. Furthermore, the incorporation of copper nanoparticles significantly improved the sensor's sensitivity. The sensor displayed high sensitivity and selectivity for detecting IMI, with a detection limit of 10.8 nmol L⁻¹ and a linear response range of 0.059 to 0.516 μmol L⁻¹, highlighting its robust analytical performance in environmental sample analysis.