MWCNT modified Ni–Fe LDH/BiVO(4) heterojunction: boosted visible-light-driven photoelectrochemical aptasensor for ofloxacin detection

Sensitivity and selectivity, which can be identified by the photosensitivity of materials and the identification of elements, are two important factors for a photoelectrochemical aptasensor (PEC aptasensor). Herein, a patent PEC aptasensor for specifically detecting ofloxacin (OFL) was exploited, and a visible-light-active MWCNT/LDH/BiVO(4) heterostructure was introduced as a photoactive material and identification elements, respectively. The combination of LDH with BiVO(4) enhanced the photocurrent response, and MWCNT provided higher electron conductivity, which are advantageous for structuring PEC sensors. Furthermore, the two-pot synthesis of MWCNT/LDH/BiVO(4) has the advantage of possessing an environmentally friendly character. Under optimal conditions, the photocurrent response of MWCNT/LDH/BiVO(4) presents a linear trend with OFL concentration from 0.1 to 16 000 nM, and the limit of detection (S/N = 3) is as low as 0.03 nM. This new PEC sensing device afforded an ultra-sensitive sensor which has high selectivity and stability for detecting OFL.