A highly discerning p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene (p-TNC4) functionalized copper nanoparticles: A smart electrochemical sensor for the selective determination of Diphenhydramine drug

Abstract

In this work, we develop an exceptional and discerning electrocatalyst for selective and sensitive detection of Diphenhydramine (DPH). For the first time, successful fabrication of copper metal nanoparticles (CuNPs) was carried out by utilizing p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene (p-TNC4) as an effective capping and stabilizing agent. After the efficacious synthesis of p-TNC4 derivative functionalized CuNPs were exploited for various characterization tools such as UV–Visible, FTIR, XRD, and SEM which confirmed the successful preparation of CuNPs with nanoflakes morphology, face-centered cubic structure, and average size around 18 nm respectively. For the investigation of catalytic capabilities of synthesized material, the prepared CuNPs were used as electrochemical sensing probe for the sensitive detection of Diphenhydramine drug-using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) as detection mode. Under the optimized conditions such as supporting electrolyte, pH study, and potential range, the developed CuNPs/GCE manifested outstanding results for detection of Diphenhydramine at 0.67 V within the range of 0.0 to 1.2 V) in borate supporting electrolyte at pH 8. The linear dynamic range of the developed sensor was utilized from 0.0001 to 0.40 µM with a very low limit of detection and limit of quantification calculated to be 0.116 nM and 1.167 nM respectively. The modified sensor was tested in real applications of urine and serum samples.