Synthesis of Copper Molybdate and Its Electrochemical Sensing of Paracetamol

Background In recent years, significant advancements have been made in various scientific sectors, particularly in healthcare and pharmaceutical research. This progress has been driven by the development of enhanced sensing materials and methodologies. Electrochemical sensing has become an important tool in detecting and analyzing drug molecules due to its high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid response times. Among various drugs, paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is widely used for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. Accurate detection of paracetamol is crucial due to its widespread use and potential for overdose, which can lead to severe liver damage. Copper molybdate (CuMoO₄) is a transition metal oxide that has garnered attention for its excellent electrical conductivity and electrochemical stability. These properties make it a promising candidate for use in electrochemical sensors. The ability of CuMoO₄ to act as a sensor material is enhanced by its unique structural and morphological characteristics, which can be tailored during synthesis. Aim This study aimed to synthesize CuMoO₄ and investigate its electrochemical sensing capability for the detection of drug molecules, specifically paracetamol. Materials and method CuMoO₄ was synthesized using a precipitation method that did not involve any surfactants. This approach was chosen to simplify the synthesis process and avoid potential contamination from surfactants. The morphology of the synthesized CuMoO₄ nanoparticles was investigated using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the purity of the CuMoO₄ nanomaterial. Structural analysis was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). To evaluate the electrochemical sensing capability of CuMoO₄ for paracetamol, Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed. DPV is a sensitive electrochemical technique that can detect changes in current response corresponding to the presence of analytes. Results The synthesized CuMoO₄ exhibited a rock-like structure, as revealed by FE-SEM imaging. This morphology is advantageous for electrochemical applications due to the increased surface area available for interaction with analytes. EDX confirmed the purity of the CuMoO₄ nanomaterial, showing no significant impurities. XRD analysis indicated that the CuMoO₄ nanoparticles were crystalline in nature, which is beneficial for consistent and reproducible electrochemical behavior. The DPV analysis demonstrated that the CuMoO₄ sensor exhibited a linear increase in current response with increasing concentrations of paracetamol. This linear relationship indicates that CuMoO₄ is capable of detecting paracetamol effectively, with a strong and quantifiable signal response. Conclusion The CuMoO₄ nanomaterial was successfully synthesized using a simple precipitation method and was characterized by its rock-like morphology and crystalline structure. Electrochemical testing using DPV showed that CuMoO₄ has excellent sensing capabilities for detecting paracetamol, with a clear and linear current response. These findings suggest that CuMoO₄ is a promising electrochemical sensing material for drug detection, potentially offering a reliable and efficient method for monitoring paracetamol and possibly other pharmaceuticals in various settings.