Sensitive rutin detection at nanomolar levels utilizing CeO2/BaO@Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite-based photoelectrochemical sensor

Natural compounds like Rutin (RT) are widely utilized in medical settings, making it crucial to evaluate the efficacy and scientific basis of drugs derived from such sources. This study focuses on the synthesis of oxides of cerium and barium (CeO₂/BaO) doped with MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x) compounds through a straightforward wet chemical etching process and sonochemical technique to facilitate the rapid detection of RT using a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor. Electrocatalytic reactions rely on electrical energy, while photocatalytic reactions use light energy to generate oxidizing agents. The integration of light and electrical energy in photoelectrocatalytic oxidation, utilizing semiconducting nanostructures, has proven effective for oxidizing RT. Using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), we investigated the PEC properties of RT on a CeO₂/BaO@Ti₃C₂T_x modified electrode, assessing its stability and sensitivity to change in pH, loading, sweep rate, and potential interferences. The CeO₂/BaO@Ti₃C₂T_x modified electrode exhibits rapid RT detection under optimal conditions, with a linear detection range of 0.1–1.4 μM, and a low detection limit of 1.16 nM. PEC analysis also revealed that the CeO₂/BaO@Ti₃C₂T_x electrode maintains cyclic stability and robust anti-interference performance. This nanocomposite showed satisfactory recovery rates when detecting RT in lemon, orange, and grape samples. Compared to other potential interfering substances, the sensor demonstrated high selectivity and resistance to interference. Consequently, this research advances the development of PEC sensors for biomedical and therapeutic applications.