2D sheet structure of zinc molybdate decorated on MXene for highly selective and sensitive electrochemical detection of the arsenic drug Roxarsone in water samples.

Water contamination is a serious environmental issue posing a significant global challenge. Roxarsone (ROX), a widely used anticoccidial drug is excreted in urine and feces, potentially disrupting natural habitats. Therefore, rapid and cost-effective ROX detection is essential. In this study, we developed a 2D sheet structure of zinc molybdate decorated on MXene (ZnMoO/MXene) for detecting ROX using electrochemical methods. The materials were characterized using appropriate spectrophotometric and voltammetric techniques. The ZnMoO/MXene hybrid exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance due to its rapid electron transfer rate and higher electrical conductivity. The ZnMoO/MXene-modified GCE (ZnMoO/MXene/GCE) showed a broad linear range with high sensitivity (10.413 μA μМ cm) and appreciable limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.0081 μM. It also demonstrated significant anti-interference capabilities, excellent storage stability, and remarkable reproducibility. Furthermore, the feasibility of utilizing ZnMoO/MXene/GCE for monitoring ROX in water samples was confirmed, achieving satisfactory recoveries.