Target detection and simultaneous degradation of furazolidone by molecularly imprinted CoWO4/g-C3N4

Abstract

In this study, a "Two birds with one stone" strategy was employed to concurrently address the challenges of electrochemical detection and photocatalytic degradation of the environmentally hazardous furazolidone (FRZ). An innovative molecularly imprinted CoWO4/g-C3N4 (i.e. MIP-CoWO4/g-C3N4) nanomaterials was constructed through a combination of hydrothermal and electrochemical polymerization techniques. The resulting MIP-CoWO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites can be served as an exceptional sensing platform for FRZ detection, demonstrating low detection limit (2.61×10−13 mol L−1), considerable sensitivity (2.03 μA. nM−1. mm−2), excellent selectivity and decent stability. Meanwhile, the MIP-CoWO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites exhibited remarkable photocatalytic efficiency for FRZ degradation (79.87 %). In addition, the systematic investigation into the impact of operational reaction parameters on both the electrocatalytic and photocatalytic reactions was conducted, elucidating the plausible mechanisms for both detecting and degrading FRZ. This research provides firm foundation for the development of multifunctional nanomaterials, further advancing the "integration of diagnosis and treatment" in environmental management and control.