Functionalization of CNFs surface with β-cyclodextrin and decoration of hematite nanoparticles for detection and degradation of toxic fungicide carbendazim

Fungicides are widely used across the globe in agricultural sector and their ubiquitous presence is a serious concern to ecology due to their hazardous nature. Hence, we report sensitive detection and degradation of the toxic fungicide carbendazim based on a novel dual-functional nanocomposite that consists of carbon nanofibers (CNFs), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles. The surface functionalization of CNFs with the natural polymer β-CD and the subsequent decoration with α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles through a sonochemical method were detailed. Exceptional surface-controlled electrocatalytic activity has been achieved towards the detection of carbendazim, and we have confirmed this based on cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques. Furthermore, the excellent photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanocomposite towards carbendazim was verified by evaluating the degradation rate. Apart from very low limit of detection (LOD) of 1 nM and excellent sensitivity of 37.69 μA μM−1 cm−2, outstanding anti-interference property, stability, reproducibility, and repeatability were also exhibited by the developed carbendazim sensor. Moreover, we detected carbendazim in real samples including apple, orange, tomato, and river water to evince excellent practical feasibility of the developed sensor.