Design an efficient molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical sensor for detection of butyl benzyl phthalate

Abstract

In this study, a visible light-driven and efficient molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor was constructed for highly selective and ultrasensitive detection of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) based on carbon nitride quantum dots decorated TiO₂ nanorods (CN QDs/TiO₂ NRs) as photoactive material, and polydopamine (PDA) molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as recognition element. CN QDs/TiO₂ NRs exhibit outstanding visible light absorption ability and PEC activity. PDA-MIP for specific recognition of BBP was successfully formed on CN QDs/TiO₂ NRs by self-polymerization of dopamine. Furthermore, PDA-MIP with superior electron transfer capacity effectively promote photogenerated carrier separation and enhance visible light utilization, greatly improving photocurrent response. With addition of BBP, owing to BBP being captured into the imprinted holes of PDA-MIP, the electron transfer was hindered, resulting in the decrease of the photocurrent signal. BBP could be quantitatively detected by the photocurrent signal change. The designed PEC sensor exhibited highly specificity, sensitivity, and stability for BBP detection in the range of 0.01–5 ng/L with a low detection limit of 4.0 pg/L. Moreover, the proposed PEC sensor was successfully applied to evaluate BBP content in environmental samples. Therefore, the established sensing platform provides a simple and efficient strategy for detection of BBP in the environment.