Electrochemical detection of dopamine through hydrothermally prepared lanthanum metal–organic framework (La-BTC) /carbon nanotube nanohybrid

Abstract

Non-enzymatic dopamine detection utilizing electrochemical techniques is critical for a variety of reasons. For example, electrochemical sensing eliminates the need for costly and difficult enzymatic tests, which are frequently time-consuming and demand specialist equipment. It also detects dopamine in real time, making it perfect for in-vivo monitoring. Electrochemical detection might be extremely useful in diagnosing and treating illnesses like Parkinson’s and other dopamine-related disorders. Overall, this approach is a robust tool for identifying and evaluating dopamine levels, with various potential therapeutic and research applications. The direct integration of lanthanum metal–organic framework (La-BTC) and carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid onto an electrode for electrochemical sensing is demonstrated. La-BTC/CNT composite is batch fabricated using a hydrothermal technique. For structural analysis, the prepared La-BTC is examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine its crystalline nature, surface functionalities, graphitic nature, thermal stability, and surface composition. Electrochemical sensing of dopamine is investigated using the cyclic voltammogram (CV) and linear sweep voltammogram (LSV) responses. Compared to La-BTC, the La-BTC/CNT sample demonstrated good electrocatalytic activity towards dopamine. The LOD and LOQ are measured to be 0.073 µM and 0.24 µM, respectively. The calibrated sensitivity of the modified electrode is 2.953 μAμM−1cm−2. Several potential interferences, including glucose, potassium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid, show a negligible impact. The modified La-BTC/CNT electrode exhibits good stability. The results indicate that La-BTC/CNT nanohybrids can be promising for non-enzymatic dopamine sensing.