Group VI transition metal dichalcogenides as antifouling transducers for electrochemical oxidation of catechol-containing structures

Abstract

In this work, we present a comprehensive study comparing the electrochemical performance of MX2 nanosheet-based electrodes (where M: Mo or W; X: S or Se). The nanosheets, obtained via a sonochemical strategy, were characterized using SEM and Raman spectroscopy to confirm the success of the exfoliation process. The electrochemical properties have been studied using a redox probe and flavonoids with an o-diphenol target moiety since the latter is involved in redox processes of high significance. It was revealed that selenides exhibit a better performance employing redox probes (higher k0 and lower RCT) and higher oxidation currents for oxidation of catechol-containing flavonoids (CCF). It is worthy of note that MX2 materials also have enhanced antifouling properties toward flavonoids compared with carbon-based electrodes.

Keywords

• Transition metal dichalcogenides
• Antifouling
• Catechin
• Rutin
• Electrochemical transducers
• Polyphenols