Rational confinement of ternary layered double hydroxide within three-dimensional graphene aerogel: An electrochemical tool for propyl gallate sensing

The fleeting enchantments of sensory delight will eventually fade, but the repercussions of unhealthy food practices on public health will be sustained. In recent years, a growing emphasis has been placed on antioxidants, which are vital to extending the shelf life of processed food. Quite obviously, a cascade of concerns related to quality control, health, and environment tags along with their proliferation. Quantifying antioxidants with electrochemical sensing tools helps to enhance sensitivity and selectivity, thereby enforcing policies that regulate the circulation of substandard products and deceptive food practices. This study delves into the electrochemical detection of propyl gallate (PG), leveraging a unique synergy between NiFeCo-LDH and graphene aerogel (GA). A 3D-3D heterojunction-modified screen-printed carbon electrode is formed through the integration of solvothermally synthesized NiFeCo-LDH and GA scaffold. Through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, our findings highlight a pronounced peak current intensity. The oxidation of PG on the NiFeCo-LDH/GA electrode spanned a concentration range of 0.001-297.43 mu M. Impressively, the detection limit stood at 0.87 nM, with a sensitivity of 41.22 mu A mu M-1 cm-2. Taking advantage of its large surface area, plethora of active sites, and remarkable conductivity, the electrode promises efficiency in real-time PG detection.