MoS ₂ _CNTs_aerogel-based PEDOT nanocomposite electrochemical sensor for simultaneous detection of chloramphenicol and furazolidone in food samples

Toxic intermediates in food caused by chloramphenicol (CP) and furazolidone (FZ) have gained interest in research toward their detection. Hence, fast, reliable, and accurate detection of CP and FZ in food products is of utmost importance. Here, a novel molybdenum disulfide-connected carbon nanotube aerogel/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) [MoS₂/CNTs aerogel/PEDOT] nanocomposite materials are constructed and deposited on the pretreated carbon paste electrode (PCPE) by a facile eletropolymerization method. The characterization of MoS₂/CNTs aerogel/PEDOT nanocomposite was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry. The modified MoS₂/CNTs aerogel/PEDOT nanocomposite has improved sensing characteristics for detecting CP and FZ in PBS solution. For this work, we have studied various parameters like electrocatalytic activity, the effect of scan rates, pH variation studies, and concentration variation studies. Under optimum conditions, the modified electrode exhibited superior sensing ability compared to the bare and pretreated CPE. This improvement in electrocatalytic activity can be the higher conductivity, larger surface area, increased heterogeneous rate constant, and presence of more active sites in the MoS₂/CNTs aerogel/PEDOT nanocomposite. The modified electrode demonstrated distinct electrochemical sensing toward the individual and simultaneous analysis of CP and FZ with a high sensitivity of 0.701 µA. µM^-1 .cm^-2 for CP and 0.787 µA. µM^-1 .cm^-2 for FZ and a low detection limit of 3.74 nM for CP and 3.83 nM for FZ with good reproducibility, repeatability, and interferences. Additionally, the prepared sensor effectively detects CP and FZ in food samples (honey and milk) with an acceptable recovery range and a relative standard deviation below 4%.