Development of a 2D MXene@SDS Nanocomposite Electrode for Voltammetric Sensing of Kojic Acid in Vinegar Samples

Abstract

In this study, the electrochemical analysis of Kojic acid (KOJ) was carried out using 2D MXene@SDS/GCE obtained by the deposition of Ti3C2Tx-MXene suspended in polyvinyl fluoride with anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the surface of GCE at a specific potential (0.60 V). The Ti3C2Tx-MXene phase was analyzed for its morphological and structural properties using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Additionally, the surface characterization of the MXene@SDS/GCE was conducted through electrochemical techniques, specifically electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The electrochemical sensor displayed outstanding performance in terms of selectivity, accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. When operating under optimized conditions, the sensor achieved a wide linear response range of 0.10 to 4.50 mu M, a sensitivity of 12.95 mu A mu M-1 cm-2, and a detection limit as low as 0.03 mu M. The modified electrode was further employed for the quantitative determination of KOJ in vinegar samples, achieving recovery rates ranging from 98.3 % to 101.5 %. These results demonstrate the suitability of the electrochemical method for routine KOJ analysis. Based on the optimization, validation outcomes, and successful application to real samples, this approach represents a reliable alternative for the routine detection of kojic acid in food products.