A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on quasi-three-dimensional nanomaterials Nb2CTx/AgNWs for specific detection of sulfadiazine

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor (MIECS) was constructed for the specific detection of sulfadiazine (SDZ) in food. Niobium carbide (Nb2CTx) as a typical two-dimensional lamellar nanomaterial has good electrical conductivity and unique structure, which was assembled with one-dimensional silver nanowires (AgNWs) to form quasi-three-dimensional composite nanomaterials (Nb2CTx/AgNWs). As spacer material, AgNWs prevented the aggregation of Nb2CTx and the collapse of Nb2CTx layers. At the same time, a fast electron transport channel was constructed through the synergistic effect between nanomaterials the two. The Nb2CTx/AgNWs realized the enhancement of electrical signals. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) endowed the sensor with selectivity, achieving the specific detection of sulfadiazine. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the method has a wide linear range (1 x 10-8-1 x 10-4 mol L-1) and a low limit of detection (1.30 x 10-9 mol L-1). The sensor was used to detect sulfadiazine in pork, chicken, and feed samples, and the recovery was 82.61-94.87%. The results were in good agreement with the HPLC results, which proved the accuracy and practicability of the method.