Fe2O3–rice straw carbon dot composite for simultaneous electrochemical detection of dopamine and salbutamol

A novel electrochemical sensor was developed using a composite of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and rice straw-based carbon dots (RSCD) for the simultaneous detection of dopamine (DPM) and salbutamol (SBT). By modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with the synthesized composite, the sensor achieved detection limits of 0.02 μM for DPM and 0.03 μM for SBT, with a linear range extending from 0.1 to 92 μM. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) demonstrated the sensor's enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and resolution of overlapping oxidation peaks, overcoming key limitations of existing methods. Practical applications in neurotransmitter monitoring and food safety were validated using actual samples, highlighting the sensor's accuracy and reliability. This study introduces a scalable and cost-effective solution for electrochemical sensing with significant potential for broader societal impact.