Efficient “on–off” photoelectrochemical sensing platform with layer-by-layer assembly of titanium dioxide nanotube arrays and silver@zinc sulfide nanoparticles for unbiased and accurate monitoring of clonazepam

Abstract

A high-performance self-powered photoelectrochemical platform has been constructed for clonazepam assay with “turn-on” signal output by synergistically using silver doped zinc sulfide decorated on titanium oxide nanotube array (Ag@ZnS/TiO2 NTs). Ag@ZnS was first organized and then deposited on TiO2 NTs that was made from electrophoretic deposition, to yield Ag@ZnS/TiO2 NTs nanohybrid. The constructed analysis platform displays two linear concentrations ranging from 0.016 to 6.4 and 6.4–76 µM with a limit of detection of 1.19 nM and high sensitivity of 4.13 µA µM−1 (in the range of 0.016–6.4 µM) for clonazepam. What's more, the as-constructed senor represents excellent selectivity, good stability, and prominent reproducibility. Besides, the application feasibility of the as-prepared sensing platform with Ag@ZnS/TiO2 NTs could be attested by detecting clonazepam in tablet and biological fluids. The “On-Off” photoelectrochemical platform may enable new opinions for the application of intelligent nanohybrids.