Crumpled Nanosheet architecture of a Ni3B2O6@V4C3 hybrid for electrochemical detection of Chlorothalonil fungicide.

The widespread use of the highly toxic fungicide chlorothalonil (CTL), which is lethal to fish at ppb levels and harms amphibians and soil ecosystems, necessitates robust monitoring tools. This work presents a high-performance electrochemical sensor based on a novel nickel borate/vanadium carbide (Ni3B2O6/V4C3) nanocomposite. The synergistic integration of catalytically active Ni3B2O6 (NiBO) with conductive V4C3 (VC) creates an interface that enhances charge transfer for CTL reduction. To our knowledge, this study provides the most comprehensive electrochemical investigation of CTL to date, utilizing cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry. The sensor demonstrates exceptional sensitivity, with limits of detection of 8.68 nM (DPV) and high selectivity against common interferents. Critically, its practical utility is validated through accurate detection in complex real-world matrices from New Taipei City, including river water, agricultural soil, and produce extracts, achieving recoveries of 98-103%. This work provides a reliable, field-deployable platform for CTL monitoring.