One-step preparation of TiO2/PPy composite photoelectrochemical sensors and sensitive detection of TBZ and thiram

Abstract

Thiabendazole (TBZ) and thiram are widely used fungicides in agricultural production for effective disease control. However, their persistent environmental accumulation and migration lead to excessive residues in soil, groundwater, and other matrices, causing severe contamination and significant human health risks. In this study, TiO₂/PPy (polypyrrole) composites were synthesized via an eco-friendly chemical method to develop a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform for TBZ and thiram detection. The conductive PPy incorporation significantly enhanced TiO₂'s charge separation efficiency, yielding a notable photocurrent response (∼6 μA/cm²). The fabricated PEC sensor demonstrated reliable detection performance for both fungicides.