Hierarchically Structured Organic Cation Intercalated Heterojunction: A Selective Sensor–Catalyst Interface for Simultaneous Detection and Degradation of Fenitrothion

The widespread use of organophosphate pesticides, especially Fenitrothion (FNT), in agricultural practices has raised serious environmental and health concerns. Even at trace levels, it can cause toxic effects through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure, contributing to an estimated 2 million poisoning cases and 10,000 deaths annually. This growing threat highlights the urgent need for effective detection and remediation technologies. For this, we designed an organic cation (DM3)-intercalated interfacial heterostructure, DM3-ZnO/FeOCl. The selective response of DM3-ZnO/FeOCl toward the detection of FNT has been established through spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. It acts as a smart FNT-responsive material that targets and degrades FNT from contaminated water and soil. Moreover, a cost-effective DM3-ZnO/FeOCl-embedded poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyethylene glycol matrix (FenitroPur) has been developed as a portable system for the degradation of FNT in real-world scenarios. Mechanistic insights reveal that the degradation of FNT follows pseudo-first-order kinetics, achieving >99% degradation through a Recognize-Catalyze-Degrade mechanism. The role of radical species has been studied by using radical scavenger assays, and consequently, a degradation pathway has been evaluated. This work provides an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for FNT removal from soil and water, thereby ensuring overall well-being.