Single-step electrochemical fabrication of nanoporous gold film with reduced graphene oxide for carbendazim quantification in river water

Abstract

Carbendazim (CBZ) is a broad-spectrum fungicide used worldwide to control fungal infestations in various crops.However, its remarkable stability has raised concerns about accumulation in soils and aquatic environments,garnering significant attention from the analytical community. In this report, we propose a nanoporous goldelectrode with reduced graphene oxide (NPGrGO) prepared according to a mold-assisted electrodepositionmethod, in which the gold film was deposited simultaneously with the reduction of graphene oxide on a goldmicrofiber surface for CBZ determination. The NPGrGO electrode exhibited a high density of edges with graphenesheets confined within the pores in the presence of gold nanoparticles. This unique configurationsignificantly enhances the electrochemical surface area and the roughness factor, directly influencing electrochemicalmeasurements. Differential pulse voltammetry results show a linear behavior in the CBZ concentrationrange of 1 ? 200 μmol L􀀀 1 with a limit of detection of 0.3 μmol L􀀀 1 and a limit of quantification of 1.0 μmol L􀀀 1.Besides, the NPGrGO sensor also revealed excellent reproducibility (4.2 %), repeatability (3.7 %), and selectivitytoward CBZ detection in the presence of other interfering molecules or ions. Finally, as proof of concept, theNPGrGO was used to determine CBZ in river water samples. Therefore, we have demonstrated a simple and rapidmethod for fabricating an NPGrGO electrochemical sensor, highlighting its significant potential for applicationsin environmental analysis.