Fabrication and characterization of a colorimetric sensor using EDTA-capped copper oxide nanoparticles for phenolic compound detection

The catalytic and antibacterial properties of metal oxide nanoparticles make them suitable contributors to the formation of new production facilities at low cost. In this study, we prepared copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) via an environmentally friendly and cost-effective synthesis route. We used Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) as a capping and reducing agent to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles. Textural characterization of the prepared CuONPs was studied using advanced techniques, for example, Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) to study the functional transition (EDTA reduction), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the shape of CuONPs, X-ray diffraction patterns to examine the crystalline nature of the particles. CuONPs were then used to perform amperometry measurements and monitor trace amounts of isoflavone (IFs) in various industrial wastewater and phytoestrogen drugs from patients and water samples. The results show that the developed sensor has excellent analytical parameters such as high sensitivity as a sensor, uniformly distributed, controlled size, high stability at neutral pH, good selectivity (no interference), and a cost-effective method for preparing and fabricating mid-frequency sensors. In this research oxidation state and particle size of nanoparticles played a vital role in enhanced catalytic process. EDTA-CuONPs with the smallest particle size, biocompatibility, surface reactivity, uniform distribution and assembled morphology, and enhanced catalytic activity make them ideal for applications including environment monitoring, catalysis, and biosensing.