Novel electrochemical sensor based on rGO@TiO₂ composite material and ion-imprinted polymer modification for highly selective detection of cadmium ions in real samples

In recent years, the detection and monitoring of cadmium (Cd(II)) have gained considerable attention due to its widespread applications in various industries, such as electronics, batteries, and coatings, and its classification as a highly hazardous pollutant. This study presents the development of a novel electrochemical sensor based on ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) and reduced graphene oxide-titanium oxide (rGO@TiO₂) for the selective and sensitive detection of Cd(II). Under optimized experimental conditions, the electrochemical sensor displayed a satisfactory linear relationship in the concentration range of 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹, with a lowest detection limit of 1.2 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹. The sensor exhibited excellent repeatability, stability, high sensitivity, and strong selectivity. Finally, the electrochemical sensor was successfully applied to determine trace Cd(II) in practical samples. This novel electrochemical sensor based on IIPs and rGO@TiO₂ holds great potential for practical applications in environmental monitoring and pollution control, providing a promising tool for the accurate and efficient detection of hazardous pollutants like Cd(II).