Synthesis and characterization of hexagonal boron nitride/halloysite nanotubes nanocomposite for electrochemical detection of furazolidone

Abstract We report a simple and rapid synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride/halloysite-nanotube (h-BN/HNTs) nanocomposite and its potential application towards highly selective electrochemical determination of furazolidone (FZ). The as-prepared h-BN/HNTs nanocomposite was characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Electrochemical reduction of FZ at the h-BN/HNTs nanocomposite modified electrode was investigated by the cyclic voltammetry and amperometric methods. The results of electrocatalytic activity proved that the as-synthesized h-BN/HNTs nanocomposite has a super electrocatalytic activity compared to h-BN and HNTs electrocatalyst for FZ reduction. As expected, the proposed electrochemical sensor exhibits a wide linear range, low detection limit, good sensitivity, excellent reproducibility and repeatability. Additionally, the proposed sensor shows an excellent selectivity towards FZ in the presence of higher concentration of potential interferences. The practical applicability of the h-BN/HNTs nanocomposite sensor was examined in food samples with good recovery values. The h-BN/HNTs nanocomposite can be considered as a valid candidate among available electrocatalyst in FZ sensor.