Synthesis of hexagonal zinc oxide and rod-shaped zinc stannate as an efficient electrocatalyst for electrochemical detection of calcium channel antagonist

The present study describes the electrochemical sensing of nifedipine (NFDP) with the fabrication of a Zn₂SnO₄/GC electrode. NFDP, a calcium channel blocker used to treat several diseases is taken into concern due to its high-risk factor. The zinc stannate (Zn₂SnO₄) with excellent unique properties was modified over the working electrode surface. The Zn₂SnO₄ was further taken for the physical and morphological characteristic analysis. The XRD, XPS, and FTIR results resembled the well-defined formation of Zn₂SnO₄. While the rod-like structure of Zn₂SnO₄ were observed with FESEM analysis. The electrochemical detection of NFDP was studied initially with different parameters being varied in order to obtain a constant response. The limit of detection was about 0.0088 μM with a linear range of 0.24–250.47 µM with a sensitivity 4.86 μA μM⁻¹ cm². The repeatability and reproducibility analysis showed excellent responses even for continuous monitoring at several intervals. The selectivity study had a good selective response towards NFDP in the presence of various interferant analytes. The real sample detection performed in industrial river water, human blood serum, and urine samples showed optimum recovery results. Thus, the investigation of Zn₂SnO₄ electrocatalyst for NFDP detection will be a reliable approach for monitoring the effects of NFDP in the living ecosystem.