Novel MOF-integrated MXene-magnetite electrochemical platform for effective detection of chloramphenicol

Abstract

Chloramphenicol (CAP) contamination in natural waters presents an increasing concern due to its persistence and potential risks to ecosystems and human health. To address this challenge, an electrochemical sensing platform based on a Fe₃O₄@MXene@Fe-BDC composite modified screen-printed carbon electrode was developed and characterized. The hybrid material combines the high electrical conductivity of MXene, the magnetic and catalytic properties of Fe₃O₄, and the adsorption capabilities of the Fe-BDC metal–organic framework, resulting in a synergistic enhancement of sensing performance. Using differential pulse voltammetry, the sensor achieved a broad linear detection range from 1 to 309 µM, a low detection limit of 0.26 µM, and a high sensitivity of 0.95 µA µM⁻¹ cm⁻². X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical analyses revealed that functional groups such as carboxyl, phenolic, and Fe–O play a central role in CAP recognition through hydrogen bonding, π–π interactions, and metal–oxygen coordination pathways. The sensor also exhibited notable stability, retaining 95.7% of its initial response after 20 days, and performed reliably in complex water samples. These results demonstrate the potential of the Fe₃O₄@MXene@Fe-BDC architecture as an efficient and practical tool for monitoring chloramphenicol in environmental settings.