Sustainable electrochemical sensor utilizing polyaniline–vanadium pentoxide ( PANI – V 2 O 5 ) nanocomposite for recognition of emamectin benzoate insecticide

Abstract BACKGROUND Pesticide residues pose a major threat to ecosystems and human health, creating an urgent need for sensitive, rapid, and affordable detection technologies. Electrochemical sensing has gained prominence owing to its simplicity, cost‐effectiveness, and high analytical efficiency. This study aims to develop a sustainable electrochemical sensor based on a polyaniline–vanadium pentoxide (PANI–V₂O₅) nanocomposite for detection of the insecticide emamectin benzoate (EmBz). The work focuses on fabricating the nanocomposite, characterizing its structural and thermal properties, and evaluating its electrochemical and sensing performance. RESULTS PANI–V₂O₅ nanocomposites were synthesized via oxidative polymerization and characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, confirming well‐defined crystallinity, chemical bonding, and thermal stability. Electrochemical testing using cyclic voltammetry revealed two distinct redox peak pairs, indicating excellent reversibility and enhanced electroactivity. Galvanostatic charge/discharge analysis yielded a specific capacitance of 119.53 F/g, an energy density of 26.83 F/g V 2 , and a power density of 243.91 F/g V 2 /h, demonstrating a high charge storage capability. Differential pulse voltammetry showed clear responses to varying EmBz concentrations, enabling quantitative detection. The fabricated sensor had a limit of detection of 9.6 × 10 −5 and a limit of quantification of 2.9 × 10 −3 , confirming its ability to detect EmBz at low levels. CONCLUSION The PANI–V₂O₅‐based sensor exhibits high electroactive performance, excellent capacitance, and strong analytical sensitivity toward EmBz. These findings highlight its potential as a reliable and sustainable platform for monitoring pesticide contaminants, contributing to improved environmental safety and analytical sensor development. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.