Synthesis of MnO₂ decorated mesoporous carbon nanocomposite for electrocatalytic detection of antifungal drug

In this study, manganese oxide tailored mesoporous carbon materials (MnO₂/MC) were synthesized through a hydrothermal method. An electrode modified with MnO₂/MC was used to detect the antifungal drug Iodochlorohydroxyquin (ICQ) with improved sensitivity. Synergistic interactions between the metal oxide and carbon-based material significantly improve specific properties of the prepared nanocomposite, such as excellent conductivity, high electron transfer rate, numerous active sites, and electron transport networks. An electroanalytical analysis revealed that the MnO₂/MC electrocatalyst showed excellent electrochemical activity for the determination of ICQ. It exposes a dynamic response range of 0.01–1010 μM with a low level of detection of 0.001 μM and superior sensitivity of 3.48 μAμM⁻¹cm⁻². The proposed sensor exhibits significant selectivity, outstanding reproducibility, and stability. Also, ICQ has been determined in pharmaceutical tablets and human urine using the fabricated MnO₂/MC electrode.