Nanoarcitectonics of Tellurium-Doped Titanium Dioxide: A Catalyst for Improved Electrochemical Performance of Graphene Electrode in Bisphenol A

This study introduces a novel approach utilizing tellurium-doped titanium dioxide (Te-TiO2) as a modifier for graphene (Gr) electrodes, aiming to enhance the electrochemical performance for Bisphenol A (BPA) detection. The Te-TiO2 was synthesized through a modified sol–gel process, combining Te(OH)6 and titanium tetraisopropoxide in an ethylene glycol medium, followed by thermal annealing. The resulting Te-TiO2 was incorporated into a Gr electrode matrix to form a nanocomposite, designated as the GTT electrode. Comprehensive characterization of the GTT electrode was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, as well as UV–Vis spectrophotometry to evaluate its band gap properties. The electrochemical performance was assessed using cyclic voltammetry in a three-electrode setup, revealing that the Te-TiO2 modification significantly enhances the electrode’s sensitivity and electrocatalytic activity. The GTT electrode demonstrated superior sensitivity in BPA detection, with a linear detection range of 1 to 5 μg/L and a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.32 μg/L. Moreover, the stability analysis showed minimal performance degradation over 20 consecutive measurements, highlighting its practical applicability. The incorporation of Te-TiO2 not only reduces the band gap but also improves electron transfer kinetics, making the GTT electrode a promising platform for environmental monitoring, food safety, and biomedical applications. This study paves the way for developing high-performance electrochemical sensors for detecting trace levels of contaminants.