CuMg Alloy Catalyst for Electrochemical Dopamine Detection

Cheng Wang; Wenlong Xu; Yiming Zhang; Xun Zhang; Congxiao Wang; Lei Jiao

doi:10.53941/nenp.2026.100003

Abstract

Electrochemical sensors offer rapid, cost-effective, and portable detection but often suffer from narrow linear ranges and poor long-term stability due to catalyst degradation or surface fouling. Herein, an electrochemical sensor employing a Cu₁Mg₁ bimetallic alloy catalyst was developed for highly sensitive and rapid detection of dopamine (DA). The Cu₁Mg₁ alloy, synthesized via a facile method, exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity due to synergistic effects between Cu and Mg, optimizing electron transfer and surface reactivity. The sensor demonstrated a wide linear range (0.01–100 μM) and excellent selectivity against common interferents. Notably, it achieved rapid response and superior long-term stability. Mechanistic studies revealed that Mg’s role in stabilizing Cu active sites and enhancing the conductivity was pivotal for broad-range detection. This work highlights the potential of Cu₁Mg₁ alloys as efficient catalysts for real-time, reliable neurotransmitter monitoring in biomedical applications, providing theoretical guidance for understanding the structure−property relationship.

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