Non-enzymatic organophosphorus pesticide detection using gold atomic cluster modified electrode

•AuACs modified electrode for OPs pesticide detection for the first time.•Enhanced activity & sensitivity than bulk Au & AuNPs.•Lowering the reduction potential OPs than bulk and nano-gold counterparts.•Achieved a very low detection limit of 0.65 nM.•Suitable for fast, simple & sensitive analysis of OPs in environmental samples.

In this work, we report the detection of organophosphorous pesticides, particularly methyl parathion using gold atomic clusters (AuACs) non-enzymatically employing square wave voltammetry (SWV). Synthesis of surfactant stabilized gold atomic clusters on a polycrystalline gold electrode was executed by a simple potentiodynamic cyclic voltammetry technique. The clusters are characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The electroanalytical results exhibited linear behavior in the micro (10–80 μM) as well as nanomolar (1–10 nM) concentration ranges and the detection limit is found to be 0.65 nM (S/N = 3). The proposed sensor matrix is evaluated with real samples and the results are in good agreement with high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis.

Graphical abstractNon-enzymatic organophosphorus pesticide detection using gold atomic clusters exhibits excellent activity along with enhanced sensitivity towards the reduction of methyl parathion.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide