Nanodiamond-derived carbon nano-onions decorated with silver nanodendrites as an effective sensing platform for methamphetamine detection

Abstract

Here, the detection of methamphetamine (MAMP) as an arousing addictive drug has been proposed based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with the nanodiamond-derived carbon nano-onions (CNOs) decorated with the silver nanodendrites (AgNDs). The characterization of the embedded sensing interface (AgNDs/CNOs/GCE) as the MAMP sensor was explored by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, energy-dispersive X–ray (EDX) pattern, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and some electrochemical techniques. The modifier utilization amalgamates the unrivaled advantages of both porous CNOs and AgNDs to improve the quantitative assay of MAMP. High conductivity, large surface area and excellent electrocatalysis capability are unique features of the developed AgNDs/CNOs/GCE. The sensor detected MAMP over the two concentration ranges of 0.099–7.48 μM and 7.48–59.88 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 30 nM. The sensor presented satisfactory results for MAMP assay in some human blood serum and urine samples as the actual samples. The results confirm the proposed strategy effectivity in the MAMP sensor fabrication such that it may be beneficial in the design of other analytical tools.