Self-reduction bimetallic nanoparticles on ultrathin MXene nanosheets as functional platform for pesticide sensing

[Display omitted] •Au-Pd NPs were obtained via a self-reduction method on ultrathin MXene nanosheets.•MXene/Au-Pd nanocomposites were applied as the functional electrochemical platform.•MXene-enabled biosensor can be used for pesticide analysis in agricultural product. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, named MXene, appear promising application prospects in sensor filed. Metal nanoparticles, especially bimetallic nanoparticles, are the superior nanocatalyst, which process excellent features due to the high specific surface area and synergistic catalytic capacity. Using ultrathin MXene nanosheets as the natural reducing agent and support, we prepare the shape-controlled Au-Pd bimetallic nanoparticles via a self-reduction process at room temperature in a short time, which can well enhance the catalytic performance and are benefit for the acetylcholinesterase immobilization. Based on their desired properties, we propose a disposable electrochemical biosensor for the detection of organophosphorus pesticide using the multi-dimensional nanocomposites (MXene/Au-Pd) as the functional platform. Under the optimized conditions, our fabricated biosensor exhibits a favorable linear relationship with the concentration of paraoxon from 0.1 to 1000 μg L−1, with a low detection limit of 1.75 ng L−1. Furthermore, the biosensor can be applied for paraoxon detection in pear and cucumber samples, providing an effective and useful avenue for the applicability of novel 2D nanomaterials in biosensing field.