A non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on zinc oxide/reduced graphene oxide (ZnO/rGO) nanocomposite for effective detection of urea

Abstract

Monitoring urea levels is essential for detecting water and soil pollution and diagnosing urea cycle disorder-related diseases. The present study addresses the need for an efficient, accurate, and cost-effective detection method by developing an electrochemical sensor using ZnO/rGO nanocomposites. The sensor’s performance is evaluated through cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and amperometry, with different weight ratios of ZnO and rGO (3:1, 1:1, and 1:3). The results show that the ZnO/rGO (1:1) nanocomposite modified electrode exhibits remarkable sensitivity (850.15 μA-1 mM−1 cm−2), a low limit of detection (0.07 μM), excellent selectivity, and long-term stability for urea detection. Developed sensor leverages the advantages of electrochemical sensing, including simplicity, rapid response, high sensitivity, and good selectivity, making it a promising solution for environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.