Preparation of Mo-doped WO₃ as Catalyst for Electrochemical Sensing of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol

Herein, we reported the synthesis of molybdenum (Mo) doped tungsten trioxide (Mo@WO₃) by employing simple strategies. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized WO₃ and Mo@WO₃ samples were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction method to examine the phase purity and formation of the proposed materials. The surface structural characteristics of the prepared samples were examined on scanning electron microscope whereas composition and elements have been authenticated by utilizing energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. We also adopted X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to further confirm the presence of Mo in the prepared Mo@WO₃ sample. Subsequently, glassy carbon electrode (GC) has been modified using the electrocatalyst (WO₃ or Mo@WO₃) for the determination of 2,4,6-TNP. Voltammetry methods such as cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were used to examine the sensing ability of the fabricated electrode (Mo@WO₃/GC). The detection limit of 0.3 µM and sensitivity of 3.41 µA.µM⁻¹.cm⁻² were obtained using Ni@WO₃/GC as the sensor for the determination of 2,4,6-TNP. The proposed electrode i.e. Mo@WO₃/GC also exhibits decent selectivity and stability for the sensing of 2,4,6-TNP.