Depositing Pt nanoparticles on crumpled Ti3C2Tx for enhanced electrochemical sensing

In recent years, two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) have demonstrated remarkable advantages in electrochemical sensing applications due to their unique physicochemical properties, including outstanding electrochemical activity, exceptional electrical conductivity, and abundant surface functional groups.

A research team led by Prof. Bowei Zhang from East China University of Science and Technology has recently developed a novel composite material featuring platinum (Pt) nanoparticles anchored on three-dimensional Na-Ti₃C₂T_x structures for highly efficient dopamine (DA) detection. The more stable and active specific surface area of the Na-Ti₃C₂T_x structure not only provides more reaction sites and improves the electrochemical performance, but also prevents the agglomeration of Pt nanoparticles during the reaction process and improves the structural stability.

The team published their review in Carbon Future on May 30, 2025.

“We developed a high-performance electrochemical sensor for the detection of DA by loading Pt nanoparticles into 3D crumpled Ti₃C₂T_x.The larger active specific surface area exhibited by the Pt/Na-Ti₃C₂T_x composite not only enhances the stability of the structure effectively mitigating the agglomeration of the nanoparticles, but also further enhances the rate of electron transfer, and greatly enhances the electrochemical performance of the sensor. The sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity and superior performance in dopamine detection. The Pt/Na- Ti₃C₂T_x/GCE effectively distinguished DA from other biomolecules and interfering substances. Overall, this work presents a new strategy for dopamine detection, with the developed nanocomposites show great promise for electrocatalytic and sensor-related applications,” said Prof. Zhang.

Other contributors include H. Q. C. and B. W. Z. conceived the project. H. Q. C., T. S. C., and S. D. G. conducted the experiments. Y. J. and S. D. G. contributed to the STEM characterization. H. Q. C., T. S. C., and B. W. Z. wrote the manuscript. B. W. Z. and F. Z. X. supervised this project.

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 52422505 and 12274124), the Shanghai Pilot Program for Basic Research (No. 22TQ1400100-6), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and the Innovative Research Group Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52321002).

About the Author

Prof. Bowei Zhang from East China University of Science and Technology specializes in intelligent sensing and micro-energy devices, as well as the design and manufacturing of key electrode components for hydrogen production equipment. He was selected for the 2020 Shanghai High-Level Overseas Talent Program and has received prestigious awards including the National Award for Outstanding Self-Financed International Students and the Sigma Xi Zaffarano Prize in the United States.With over 40 SCI-indexed publications that have been cited more than 1,200 times, Professor Zhang maintains an h-index of 21. In the past five years, he has published over 20 first/corresponding-author papers in leading SCI journals such as Advanced Materials, Nano Letters (2 papers), ACS Energy Letters, Materials Horizons, and Nano Energy, including 3 ESI Highly Cited Papers. He has also filed/been granted 8 patents. For more information, please pay attention to his research homepage https://www.x-mol.com/groups/zhang_bowei/publications

Prof. Fuzhen Xuan, President of East China University of Science and Technology and recipient of China's National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars and the National "Ten Thousand Talents Program" Leading Scientist award, has made significant contributions to scientific research. His achievements include winning one First Prize and one Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award, four Provincial/Ministerial Special/First Prizes, one Second Prize, and the Youth Science & Technology Outstanding Contribution Award from the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation. He has led several major national research projects including the National Major Science & Technology Projects (Nuclear Power), National Key Scientific Instrument Development Projects, National High-Tech R&D Program (863 Program), National Key Technology R&D Program, and National Natural Science Foundation of China projects. Additionally, Professor Xuan has participated in developing multiple national/industrial standards such as Safety Assessment of In-Service Pressure Vessels Containing Defects and Fitness-for-Service Evaluation of Pressure Equipment.

About Carbon Future

Carbon Future is an open access, peer-reviewed and international interdisciplinary journal sponsored by Tsinghua University and published by Tsinghua University Press. It serves as a platform for researchers, scientists, and industry professionals to share their findings and insights on carbon-related materials and processes, including catalysis, energy storage and conversion, as well as low carbon emission process and engineering. It features cutting-edge research articles, insightful reviews, perspectives, highlights, and news and views in the field of carbon. The article publishing charge is covered by the Tsinghua University Press.