A novel highly sensitive thebaine sensor based on MWCNT and dandelion-like Co3O4 nanoflowers fabricated via solvothermal synthesis

Abstract

For this study, the synthesis of dandelion-like Co3O4 nanoflowers is presented via the straightforward solvothermal approach and specified by various analytical methods. Furthermore, electrochemical activity of dandelion-like Co3O4 nanoflowers and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) concerning thebaine detection. Papaver somniferum is the most important alkaloid bearing species of family Papaveraceae. Major opium alkaloids such as thebaine are often used in medicine for pain relief. Therefore, a method that allows for the accurate and rapid determination of opiate compounds is a necessity. According to our research, there are no other reviews on thebaine sensing characteristics of MWCNT and Co3O4 films. By implementing CV, it was evident that the fabricated modified electrode (DNF-Co3O4/MWCNTs/GCE) exhibited prompt electron transfer in comparison with unmodified electrodes and also clear electrocatalytic behavior in regard to thebaine electro-oxidation. At an optimal state, the adjusted electrode exhibited linearity between the concentrations and peak current of thebaine across a 0.01–900.0 μM range and 2.4 nM (3Sb/m) detection limit. Finally, thebaine was also detected in real samples using our introduced approach as a selective, simple and precise electrochemical sensor.