Surfactant Electrochemical Sensor Based on Carbon Nanotubes for the Analysis of Fungicides

Today, the world needs the monitoring of fungicides to ensure crop health and food security. To achieve this, surfactant-modified electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used to analyse fungicides. The sensor harnesses the unique properties of CNTs, including their exceptional electrical conductivity and large surface area, in conjunction with the surfactant-enhanced surface interactions to achieve heightened sensitivity and selectivity. The CNT-based sensor is fabricated through a carefully optimised process involving the deposition of CNTs onto a suitable electrode surface, followed by the introduction of a surfactant layer. The surfactant enhances the stability and dispersion of CNTs but also facilitates the specific interaction with fungicides. The sensor is further functionalised with recognition elements tailored to the target fungicides, ensuring a tailored and selective response. Electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry, are employed to detect and quantify fungicides. The sensor's electrochemical behaviour is systematically studied, and the calibration curves are established using known concentrations of fungicides to enable accurate quantification. This research explores the sensor's analytical performance under optimised conditions and delves into its selectivity by conducting interference studies with common compounds in agricultural matrices. Additionally, the stability and longevity of the sensor are investigated to ensure its practical utility in real-world applications. The developed surfactant-modified CNT-based electrochemical sensor exhibits promising sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility results. Its potential applications extend to on-site monitoring in agricultural settings, providing a rapid and cost-effective tool for assessing fungicide levels. This contribution aims to advance the field of sensor technologies for agricultural and environmental monitoring, addressing the critical need for sustainable and efficient fungicide management strategies in modern agriculture.