Fe2O3 decorated reduced graphene oxide sheets for enhanced sensing applications for dopamine

Abstract

This study explored the use of iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) inorganic crystals attached to reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets for electrochemical sensing, particularly in detecting dopamine. Fe2O3 was selected because of its cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and its ability to improve sensing capabilities in combination with rGO. The rGO sheets were produced using the modified Hummers method, while Fe2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method. Various characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were used to examine the properties and morphologies of the hybrid composites. The research showed that the Fe2O3-decorated rGO sheets exhibited excellent electrochemical sensing performance for dopamine, with a sensitivity of 0.69 mA/mM measured using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The improved sensing capabilities were attributed to the unique properties of rGO, including high surface activity, a large specific surface area, and excellent electrical conductivity, combined with the incorporation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles. These findings demonstrate the potential of these cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials for various sensing applications, particularly for developing electrochemical sensors for detecting dopamine and other electroactive species.