Real-time detection of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in environmental samples using Fe₃O₄ nanospheres decorated graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets

Real-time detection of 2,4,6-chlorophenol (TCP) has gained greater interest due to its widespread distribution and hazardous effects on living organisms. In this study, graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets decorated with Fe₃O₄ nanospheres (CN@Fe₃O₄) composite-modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) were designed to develop a novel and selective electrochemical sensor for the detection of TCP. For the synthesis of CN nanosheets, the combustion technique was used, while the co-precipitation method was used for the preparation of CN@Fe₃O₄ composite. The XRD confirmed a high degree of crystalline nature and exceptionally pure phase, with an average size of 38.7 nm for Fe₃O₄ on CN nanosheets. Under optimal conditions, CN@Fe₃O₄ modified SPCE outperformed CN and Fe₃O₄ modified SPCEs in determining TCP. Analytical validations confirmed that the CN@Fe₃O₄-modified SPCE has a linear range for TCP between 0.04 and 651 μM with a detection limit of 12 nM. A practicality evaluation of the proposed sensor revealed an outstanding TCP recovery rate in various water samples.