MIL-88A derived zerovalent iron embedded mesoporous carbon with carbon black composite based electrochemical sensor for the detection of metol

The release of industrial effluents contributes to environmental degradation, posing a significant challenge to sustainable development. Metol (MTL) is a popular color-developing agent which is extensively used in the hair dyes and photographic industries. The massive usage and improper disposal of MTL into water resources would adversely affect the ecosystem. Therefore, we have prepared a MOF-derived zerovalent iron in mesoporous carbon (Fe@C) with a carbon black (CB) electrocatalyst for the detection of MTL. The structural and elemental details were examined with several spectroscopic techniques. Our prepared electrocatalyst was used to modify the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The electrochemical property of the fabricated sensor was investigated with impedance and voltammetric measurements. The catalytic activity of Fe@C/CB/SPCE towards MTL was scrutinized with different voltammetric techniques. Consequently, our Fe@C/CB/SPCE demonstrated a low detection limit (0.003 μM), high sensitivity (12.948 μA μM−1 cm−2), two linear ranges (at lower concentrations (0.01–27 μM), and higher concentrations (27–142 μM)), good selectivity, and appreciable stability results. The practical utility of the reported sensor was inspected by monitoring MTL in various real-world water samples (tap water, pond water, and river water). Based on the outcomes of the experiment, it would be suggested that our Fe@C/CB is a propitious catalyst for the electrochemical detection of MTL.