Sense and Shoot: Unveiling the Electro-/Photocatalytic Potential of 2D White Graphene-Supported Perovskite Strontium Cobaltite from Detection to Remediation of Oxidative Stress Herbicide (Mesotrione).

In this research, we employed a strategy akin to "Feeding Two Birds with One Stone" aiming for the dual objectives of highly selective electrochemical detection and photocatalytic degradation of the environmentally hazardous herbicide mesotrione (MTN). We achieved this by utilizing hexagonal boron nitride (BN)-supported strontium cobaltite perovskite nanocomposites (SrCoO/BN). The fabrication of the innovative bifunctional SrCoO/BN nanocomposites involved a straightforward process of precipitation, followed by an annealing treatment and ultrasonication. The successful formation of these nanocomposites was corroborated through the application of diverse spectroscopic tools. Notably, as-prepared SrCoO/BN nanocomposites exhibited a remarkable sensing platform for MTN, characterized by a notably low detection limit (11 nm), considerable sensitivity (3.782 μA μM cm), and outstanding selectivity, alongside remarkable stability. Concurrently, these SrCoO/BN nanocomposites demonstrated exceptional visible-light-driven photocatalytic efficacy for MTN degradation (99%) and complete mineralization. Our investigation systematically delved into the influence of operational parameters, including catalyst loading and the involvement of reactive oxidative species, in both the electrocatalytic and photocatalytic reactions. Drawing from these comprehensive studies, we have proposed plausible mechanisms for detecting and degrading MTN. Our findings pave the way for catalyst development, offering a unified solution for detecting and eliminating toxic organic compounds from the environment.