Hybrid nanostructures of urchin-like MnCo2O4.5 micro flowers on N, B co-doped rGO for electrochemical determination of paracetamol

Abstract

This work aims to create an electrochemical sensor to detect paracetamol (PAR). The sensor is constructed by modifying an electrode with carbon paste and incorporating nanostructures of manganese cobaltite (MnCo₂O_4.5) onto reduced graphene oxide that is doped with nitrogen and boron (BN-rGO). MnCo₂O_4.5 provides a stable structure and N, B-doped rGO enhances conductivity and provides additional active sites. The hybrid nanostructure facilitates charge transfer between the components. This synergy improves sensitivity and faster response times, for electrochemical sensors. The following techniques characterized the MnCo₂O_4.5/BN-rGO nanocomposite: FE-SEM, TEM, HR-TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, FT-IR, and EDX. The electrochemical characteristics and efficiency of the sensor for the electrooxidation of paracetamol were examined using CV, DPV, and EIS methods. The addition of MnCo₂O_4.5/BN-rGO to the carbon paste electrode improved the catalytic performance of the modified electrode for the oxidation of PAR. The linear dynamic ranges of the MnCo₂O_4.5/BN-rGO/CPE sensor were 5.0–120 μM and 155.0 – 1333.0 μM with a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.19 μM (S/N = 3). When used for the electrochemical determination of PAR, this modified electrode demonstrated good selectivity, reproducibility, and repeatability. Moreover, the examination of human blood serum samples indicated the biological significance of the proposed sensor, as shown by the high recoveries in the range of 96.97% to 106.43%.