ZnO nanorods functionalized with silver nanoparticles for electrochemiluminescence sensors in glyphosate detection

Glyphosate (GlyP) is a worldwide commonly used herbicide. However, it has an undesirable impact on the ecosystem threatening human health. Therefore, a quick, easy, and reliable way to identify and quantify its presence in food samples is currently required. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors are outstanding systems for achieving this important goal. Here, we report a wet approach for hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanorods functionalized with silver nanoparticles (ZnO/AgNp). Incorporating this hybrid material into ruthenium-based ECL sensors enables the construction of a reliable sensor that exhibits an ECL signal enhancement with exceptional stability for the analytical quantification of GlyP. Our straightforward method allowed us to develop a calibration curve over the GlyP range of 25–200 ppm and test walnut samples obtained on the local farm. The study confirms the possible translocation of Glyp to nuts and husks. •A hybrid material base on zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles was synthesized and used successfully in glyphosate detection by ECL using ruthenium and for quantification in real samples from Walnut's local farm.