Elevated temperature fabrication of copper sulfide nanosphere implemented boron carbide nanocomposite for hyper-sensitive detection of sulfadiazine in water and urine samples

This work introduces an innovative method for electrochemical sensing via the creation of copper sulfide-decorated boron carbide (B₄C) nanocomposites (CuS@BC). The emphasis is on identifying sulfadiazine (SFZ), a commonly used antibiotic and environmental contaminant, often detected as a residue in water and human urine owing to its usage in beekeeping for treating bacterial infections. The existence of SFZ presents considerable hazards to vulnerable persons, highlighting the need for accurate detection techniques. The CuS was synthesized using hydrothermal technique, whereas the BC was created in a high-temperature tube furnace. This work utilizes the advanced CuS@BC nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to examine the electrochemical detection of SFZ by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Thorough material characterization-incorporating Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). A charge transfer resistance of 370 Ω was found for the CuS@BC-modified electrode by electrochemical investigation. The modified GCE exhibits exceptional electrocatalytic efficacy for SFZ electro-oxidation at appropriate physiological circumstances (pH 7.0), displaying increased cathodic currents compared with the unmodified electrode. The CuS@BC sensor has an extensive detection range of 1-110 µM and an exceptionally low limit of detection of 0.086 µM, indicating outstanding sensitivity. Displaying higher cathodic currents related to the unmodified electrode, providing outstanding selectivity, high repeatability, great reproducibility, and strong functional durability. The CuS@BC-based sensor enhances SFZ detection and shows potential for wider applications in environmental and biological monitoring.