Electrochemical detection of quercetin at a Pt nanoaggregate-decorated Ti3C2-modified electrode

The surface chemical state of the electrode modification material, particularly crystal defects, significantly affects electrochemical detection properties. In this study, TiC decorated by Pt nanoaggregates (Pt NAs-TiC) with enhanced crystal defect was developed for quercetin detection, where Pt nanoaggregates on TiC exhibit improved dispersibility and smaller particle size, generating a more favorable environment for interfacial catalytic reactions. A large specific surface area, the Pt NAs-TiC composite is beneficial for the adsorption and transfer of quercetin on the electrode surface. In comparison to Pt nanoaggregates with complete crystals, the Pt NA-TiC-modified glassy carbon electrode (Pt NA-TiC/GCE) demonstrates superior quercetin detection capabilities, achieving a detection sensitivity of 72.3 μA μM and an outstanding detection linear region of 0.1–1500 nM. Besides, the electrode showcases excellent reproducibility with RSD of 2.41 %, repeatability with RSD of 1.08 %, and long-term stability with 92.3 % of the original signal retained, and resistance to interference, achieving accurately and selectively quercetin detection even in the presence of other ions and compounds. In addition, the Pt NA-TiC/GCE allows for precise quercetin detection in real-life samples. Our findings establish a theoretical guideline and furnish the material foundation for the development of high-performance electrochemical sensors.