Cobalt-doped zinc phosphides regulated by phytic acid effects on the electrochemical activity of sensing clothianidin

It is a great challenge to construct a phosphorus-rich phosphide by directional regulation of the proportion of phosphorus and metal atoms. This work innovatively employs the transition metal-doping and phytic acid (PA) regulation strategy to induce the formation of phosphorus-rich Co-doped Zn-based phosphide microspheres (CoZnP₂/C), serving as electrocatalysts for sensing clothianidin (CLD). The CoZnP₂/C is synthesized through a coordination reaction between PA and metal salts, followed by a calcination process driven by the Kirkendall effect. This material benefits from its charge transport capability and abundant active sites, resulting in ultra-high conductivity, long stability, and excellent electrochemical activity for detecting CLD, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.016 μM and a detection range from 0.08 μM to 800 μM. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the catalytic activity of CLD arises from the synergistic regulation of structural and electronic properties and active components of CoZnP₂/C. This work offers a new and accessible approach for designing and optimizing novel TMPs for sensor-related applications.