Novel hydrothermal synthesis of MoS2 nanocluster structure for sensitive electrochemical detection of human and environmental hazardous pollutant 4-aminophenol

Abstract

Herein, we have demonstrated a new electrochemical sensor for trace level detection of environmentally hazardous 4-aminophenol (4-AP) using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with MoS₂ nanoclusters. The MoS₂ nanoclusters were fabricated by a simple hydrothermal treatment without using any other organic templates or surfactants. The formation of MoS₂ nanoclusters was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, FT-infrared, Raman and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopies, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopies and selected area electron diffraction studies. The MoS₂ modified GCE (MoS₂/GCE) shows good electrocatalytic activity towards the redox reaction of 4-AP by means of cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The DPV detection of 4-AP using MoS₂/GCE delivers excellent sensitivity with a low detection limit of 0.03 (±0.008) μM and good linearity in the range of 0.04–17 μM. The sensitivity of the developed electrode is 4.278 (±0.058) μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻². The developed sensor displayed good repeatability, reproducibility and selectivity. Moreover, the practical applicability of the MoS₂/GCE is demonstrated in water samples which delivered satisfactory recoveries.