Nanomaterial-Enhanced Molecular Recognition: A Co₃O₄/TiO₂ Heterojunction Electrochemical Sensor for Vanillin with Experimental and DFT Insights

Key Points

• The aim is to develop a selective sensor using a Co₃O₄/TiO₂ heterojunction for vanillin detection.
• Utilized a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor design.
• Developed a Co₃O₄/TiO₂ p-n heterojunction nanocomposite for enhanced performance.
• Performed experiments and DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations to support findings.
• Achieved selective detection of vanillin in complex food matrices.
• Demonstrated improved sensitivity compared to traditional sensing methods.
• DFT insights provided a theoretical foundation for the sensor's performance.