Voltammetric investigation of synthesized zirconium oxide nanoparticles for detection of catechol

Abstract

The study explores a novel combustion technique for synthesizing zirconium oxide nanoparticles, for the electrochemical investigation of catechol (CC). ZrO₂ NPs are formed using Zirconyl nitrate, urea, and water to form a homogeneous solution, then heated to 500°C. The synthesized NPs are confirmed through various characterizations such as FESEM, EDX, XRD, and Raman spectra. The developed electrode is investigated using 0.1 M phosphate buffer in 6.2 pH at 0.1 V/s scan rate. Fabricated electrodes show higher current responses, excellent electrochemical activity, more electroactive sites with good conductivity, and a quick rate transfer of electrons and protons through redox reactions towards the analyte, which was discussed. Techniques such as EIS, CV, DPV, and LSV are used to evaluate the sensing properties of CC on the modified electrode. The fabricated electrode reveals excellent reproducibility, repeatability, stability, selectivity, and sensitivity toward CC detection. This research presents a promising strategy for improving the performance of electrochemical sensors for CC analysis.