Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zinc Stannate Nanoparticles for the Electrochemical Detection of Organophosphate Pesticide—Parathion-Ethyl

This work focuses on developing a Zn2SnO4-based electrochemical sensor for detecting parathion-ethyl (EP), a toxic organophosphorus pesticide. Monitoring such hazardous compounds is essential to ensure environmental and food safety. Zn2SnO4, known for its excellent electrical conductivity, catalytic activity, simple synthesis process, and eco-friendly nature, was utilized as an electrode material to enhance the detection of EP. Zn2SnO4 was synthesized via a hydrothermal method and characterized using XRD to confirm its crystalline structure. Zn2SnO4 was subsequently modified onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), enabling the study of its electrochemical properties and interaction with EP. River water and carrot samples were collected, pretreated, and analyzed for EP detection to evaluate real-world applicability. Electrochemical detection of EP using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) showed a linear response in the concentration range of 0.01–78.4 μM, with a detection limit of 0.0059 µM. The sensor demonstrated excellent repeatability and selectivity in the presence of potential interferents. Real sample analysis confirmed the sensor’s effectiveness, achieving satisfactory recovery rates in river water and carrot samples. The high surface area and conductivity of Zn2SnO4 significantly enhanced the electrochemical response, validating its potential for reliable EP detection in environmental and agricultural samples.