Sn/MoC@NC hollow nanospheres as Schottky catalyst for highly sensitive electrochemical detection of methyl parathion

Developing electrode materials with excellent electrocatalytic properties for detecting pesticide residues plays a vital role in the safety of agricultural products and environmental applications. Herein, we designed a new electrochemical sensor on the basis of N-doped carbon hollow nanospheres modified with Sn/MoC Schottky junction (Sn/MoC@NC) for methyl parathion (MP) detection. The Sn/MoC@NC was prepared by self-assembled polymerization-anchoring strategy and high-temperature carbonization design. Sn/MoC Schottky junction and hollow nanosphere structure endow Sn/MoC@NC with a larger surface area, more active sites, and faster electron transfer , which is beneficial to enhancing its electrocatalytic performance. The structural characterizations and physicochemical properties of Sn/MoC@NC were explored through various microscopy, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The experimental results confirmed that the calibration curve for current and MP concentration (0.05–10 μg/mL) was available under optimized conditions, and the sensitivity and detection limit were respectively determined to be 9.02 μA μM 1 cm 2 and 8.9 ng/mL. Furthermore, the constructed sensor displayed excellent selectivity , repeatability, and stability, which qualified it for use in detecting MP in grapes and tap water with satisfactory recovery. This work may provide some interesting prospects for constructing high-performance electrocatalysts for MP detection.