Advances in the application of nanomaterials for the electrocatalytic detection of drugs of abuse

Drug abuse has proliferated at an unprecedented rate worldwide, posing significant public health challenges that directly impact society, criminality, and the economy. This review presents the application of nanomaterials for qualitative and quantitative electrocatalytic analysis of drugs of abuse, mostly opioids (such as heroin (HER), morphine (MOR), codeine (COD), fentanyl (FEN), and tramadol (TR)), and addictive stimulants (such as cocaine (COC) and methamphetamine (MAM)) via direct oxidation. Electroanalytical techniques have attracted attention for generating point-of-use sensors because of their low cost, portability, ease of use, and the possibility of miniaturization. Electroanalytical-based devices can assist first responders with tools to identify unknown powders and to treat victims of drug abuse. Based on the drug therapeutic and usage purposes, research advances in drug electroanalysis can be classified and discussed with special emphasis on the electrochemical reaction mechanism of the drug. Therefore, this review discusses sensor enhancement based on the electrocatalytic properties introduced by various strategies, such as surface nanostructuring, the use of conducting polymers, and anodization of electrode surfaces Finally, a critical outlook is presented with recommendations and prospects for future development.