3D Bismuth oxyhalide flowers intertwined 1D graphitic carbon fibers catalyst: A disposable electrochemical sensor for the detection of carcinogenic 3,3′,5,5′-Tetrabromobisphenol A in water samples

Abstract

3,3′,5,5′-Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBPA) is a common flame retardant in electronics and plastics, presenting ecological and health risks due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and endocrine-disrupting effects. Its resistance to degradation amplifies the environmental impact, endangering aquatic systems and human health. To address the TBPA contamination, an advanced electrochemical sensing approach has developed utilizing a functional electrocatalyst. This method employs a hydrophobic bismuth oxychloride (BOC) and carbon nanofiber (CNF) electro-composite for precise and efficient TBPA detection. Physicochemical characterization was conducted using various spectroscopic techniques. The fabricated BOC/CNF electrocatalyst is applied to modify the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Electrochemical performances were evaluated through impedance and various voltammetric techniques. Consequently, our sensor displayed a low detection limit (0.005 µM), low quantification limit (0.017 µM), good linear range (0.01–447 µM), and optimal sensitivity (4.738 µA µM^–1 cm^–2). Then, this sensor monitored the TBPA in various water samples and achieved astonishing recovery results. These outcomes suggest that our BOC/CNF-based electrochemical sensor is a promising platform for the detection of TBPA.