Solvothermal synthesis of carbon incorporated MnS2 Spheres; high sensing performance towards the detection of furazolidone in bio-fluids

Highlights: • The manganese disulfide anchored on nitrogen-doped carbon spheres (MnS₂@N-CS) as an electrode material prepared by solvothermal assisted synthesis route. • Less expensive glucose used as a carbon source in this work. • Interaction between MnS₂ and nitrogen-doped carbon spheres, which enhanced the electrochemical sensing efficiency of MnS₂@N-CS. -- Abstract: Herein, we designed and synthesis a composite material consisting of manganese disulfide anchored on nitrogen-doped carbon spheres (MnS₂@N-CS) as an electrode modifier, and their application to the detection of furazolidone (FUZ) was investigated. The integration of MnS₂ and N-CS by solvothermal assisted synthesis route using inexpensive glucose as a carbon source as well as served as a nucleation center for the formation of MnS₂. The morphology and crystalline structure of the MnS₂@N-CS were well characterized by XRD, XPS, FESEM, HR-TEM, and EDX analysis. The electrochemical test of the MnS₂@N-CS modified electrode shows an interesting electrochemical performance for the sensitive and selective detection of FUZ with a broad concentration range of 0.001–1590 µM and a lower detection limit (LOD) of 0.0041 µM. The enhancement in the catalytic activity of MnS₂@N-CS can be attributed to the synergistic effect of MnS₂ and N-CS, high electron transportation, and the unique spherical structure of MnS₂@N-CS. The newly developed MnS₂@N-CS sensor also displayed excellent sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.2%. Furthermore, the strong interaction between MnS₂ and N-CS could help to succeed in the long-term stability of the sensor. Finally, this MnS₂@N-CS sensor was successfully applied for the detection of FUZ in the biological sample and food samples such as human serum, urine, and milk with excellent recoveries.