ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Electrochemical sensors based on CeO₂ and Fe-doped CeO₂ nanoparticles for the sensing of anti-diabetic drug metformin hydrochloride

Manish, Palak Verma, Palak Ahir, Vishal Thakur, Parveen Kumar, Sunaina Sharma, and Sunil Kumar

Department of Chemistry, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, India

E-mail: manishthakur84579@gmail.com

Received: 1 September 2025  Accepted: 8 December 2025

Abstract:

The underlying study focuses on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of cerium oxide (CeO₂) and iron-doped cerium oxide (Fe–CeO₂) nanoparticles synthesized via a cost-effective solution-combustion method. This research work provides a comprehensive correlation between Fe-doping, electronic structure modulation, and dual-functional performance of these ceria nanoparticles in both photocatalytic and electrochemical sensing applications. To verify the successful incorporation of Fe ions into the CeO₂ lattice and their influence on surface morphology, crystallinity, and band structure, detailed characterization methods, including TEM, SEM, XRD, BET, FTIR, and UV–vis spectroscopy have been employed. As a result of Fe-doping, the optical bandgap energy (E_g) decreases to 2.62 eV, compared with 2.82 eV for CeO₂ nanoparticles. Consequently, the doped nanoparticles exhibit superior photocatalytic degradation efficiency toward textile dyes and a significantly enhanced electrochemical response for the anti-diabetic drug metformin hydrochloride. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetric analysis revealed a higher electroactive surface area (0.0625 cm²) and a lower detection limit (6.65 mM) for Fe–CeO₂ compared to pristine CeO₂, indicating better trace-level detection of the analyte by Fe–CeO₂. Overall, these findings highlight the novel role of Fe-doping in tailoring the electronic and surface properties of CeO₂, and demonstrate Fe–CeO₂ as a promising multifunctional nanomaterial for environmental remediation and pharmaceutical sensing applications.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords: Cerium dioxide; Doping; Photocatalysis; Electrochemical sensing; Metformin hydrochloride

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04590-8

Chemical Papers 80 (5) 4847–4865 (2026)