Exploiting the synergistic effects of combined carbon-based materials for rape drug diazepam electrochemical sensing: Application to simulated casework matrices

Diazepam (DZP), a long-lasting benzodiazepine and controlled substance, is prevalent on the illegal market, notably as a date rape drug. This study presents a novel electrochemical sensor (CPE/GCPE/MWCNTs) for DZP determination in lab routines. Characterized through LSV, EIS, and SEM, the sensor revealed a pH-dependent, irreversible reduction process at approximately -0.70 V (vs. Ag/AgCl(sat)). Optimization with SWV and 0.1 mol L-1 B-R solution (pH 1.0) produced a calibration curve spanning 1.49 to 21.5 mu mol L-1. LOD and LOQ were 0.33 and 1.10 mu mol L-1, respectively. Quantification in spiked samples exhibited no significant differences compared to HPLC-DAD, endorsing the sensor for monitoring date rape drugs in forensic analysis. image