Ni–Co–Te Nanocomposites with Multi-Dimensional Hierarchical Structure for Electrochemical Acetaminophen Sensing

Abstract

In this study, Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites with multi-dimensional hierarchical structure were successfully prepared using a hydrothermal method. Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites used as electrode materials afford enhanced electroactive properties for electrochemical acetaminophen sensing. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the morphological and structural properties to boost their further promotion in acetaminophen sensing. The electrochemical performance of Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites was characterized by electrochemical measurements (cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV)). The lower electronegativity of the telluride atom and unique structural features of Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites endow the materials with promising performance in acetaminophen sensing (including linear range from 2.5 to 1000 μM, sensitivity of 0.5 μAμM−1cm−2, limit of detection of 0.92 μM, and excellent selectivity). The results indicated that Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites can serve as promising electrode materials for practical application in electrochemical acetaminophen sensing.

Keywords

• Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites
• electrochemical acetaminophen sensing
• electronegativity
• structural features