Design of a nanomaterial-assisted MIP-based electrochemical sensor for the detection of FOX-7 in soil samples


Isa A., Budak F., Cetinkaya A., ÜNAL M. A., Ercag E., ÖZKAN S. A.

Microchemical Journal, cilt.224, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 224
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117808
  • Dergi Adı: Microchemical Journal
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Index Islamicus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Detection, Electrochemical sensors, FOX-7, Molecularly imprinted polymers, Soil sample
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

1,1-Diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) is an insensitive high-energy explosive with increasing use in military and civilian applications owing to its superior energetic performance and improved handling safety. Possible release of FOX-7 during production, storage, and disposal poses environmental and occupational risks; however, reliable analytical methods for its trace determination remain limited. In this study, a nanomaterial-assisted molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) electrochemical sensor was developed for the selective and sensitive detection of FOX-7 in soil matrices. The sensor was fabricated on a glassy carbon electrode via photopolymerization using 2-thienylboronic acid as the functional monomer and TiO₂ nanoparticles to enhance surface area and electron-transfer efficiency. The resulting FOX-7/TiO₂NPs/2-TBA@MIP-GCE was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Under optimized conditions, the sensor exhibited a linear response from 1.00 × 10−13 to 1.00 × 10−12 M, with a limit of detection of 1.53 × 10−14 M and limit of quantification of 5.10 × 10−14 M. Selectivity studies demonstrated negligible interference even in the presence of 1000-fold excess of structurally related compounds. Application to spiked soil samples yielded recoveries between 98.4 and 101.5%, confirming accuracy and robustness. The proposed sensor provides a rapid, cost-effective, and portable platform for environmental monitoring and safety control of FOX-7.