Molybdenum disulfide-based modifier for electrochemical detection of 4-nitrophenol

We report the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical sensing application of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoparticles. The MoS2 nanoparticles have been prepared by the gas-solid reaction method, and they have been characterized using different techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis, photoluminescence, FTIR, Raman, and impedance spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of MoS2 nanoparticles towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) has been studied using cyclic voltammetry. The experimental parameters such as the effect of scan rate and pH have been optimized for the electrochemical detection of 4-NP. The linear relationship between the peak current and the concentration of 4-nitrophenol was found to be in the range of 4x10(-6)M to 2x10(-8)M with an impressive detection limit of 10nM. The performance of MoS2-modified glassy carbon electrode towards 4-NP detection shows good stability, reproducibility with the recovery percentage of similar to 95%. The obtained results clearly indicate the potential application of MoS2 nanoparticles for the selective and sensitive electrochemical detection of 4-NP.